### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shayiṭ**, represented by `{{H7885}}`, holds a dual meaning as both an **oar** and a **scourge**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, where it is used in both a literal and a figurative sense to convey distinct concepts of human effort and divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7885}}` is presented in two contrasting contexts. Figuratively, it appears in [[Isaiah 28:15]] as an "overflowing **scourge**" to represent an unstoppable wave of judgment. The people foolishly believe they have made a covenant `{{H1285}}` with death `{{H4194}}` to escape it, hiding `{{H5641}}` themselves in lies `{{H3577}}`. In a literal sense, it is used in [[Isaiah 33:21]] to mean **oars**, describing a divinely protected place of broad rivers `{{H5104}}` where a "galley `{{H590}}` with **oars**" cannot go, symbolizing the limits of human power.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H7885}}` in its contexts:
* `{{H7752}}` **shôwṭ** (a lash; scourge, whip): This word is a direct parallel to the figurative use of **shayiṭ**. It appears alongside `{{H7885}}` in [[Isaiah 28:15]], emphasizing the concept of a punishing judgment from which the people seek a false refuge.
* `{{H590}}` **ʼŏnîy** (a ship or a fleet; galley, navy of ships): This word appears with **shayiṭ** in [[Isaiah 33:21]]. The "galley `{{H590}}` with oars" represents a human-powered vessel, highlighting the contrast between man's strength and God's secure dwelling place.
* `{{H7857}}` **shâṭaph** (to gush; to inundate, conquer): This verb describes the "overflowing" nature of the scourge in [[Isaiah 28:15]], reinforcing the imagery of an overwhelming and inescapable force of judgment.
* `{{H1285}}` **bᵉrîyth** (a compact; covenant, league): The people's attempt to make a **covenant** with death `{{H4194}}` in [[Isaiah 28:15]] shows the futility of their efforts to evade the coming scourge `{{H7885}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7885}}` is seen in its contrasting applications:
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** As a **scourge**, the word embodies an inevitable and overwhelming judgment. The context in [[Isaiah 28:15]] reveals the folly of those who make `{{H3772}}` a covenant `{{H1285}}` with death `{{H4194}}` and an agreement `{{H2374}}` with hell `{{H7585}}`, trusting in a refuge `{{H4268}}` of lies `{{H3577}}` rather than in the LORD `{{H3068}}`.
* **Symbol of Human Limitation:** As **oars**, the word represents human effort and military might. In [[Isaiah 33:21]], the absence of a galley with **oars** signifies a place of ultimate peace and security provided by the "glorious `{{H117}}` LORD," where human power cannot intrude or is rendered irrelevant.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7885}}` **shayiṭ** is a versatile word whose meaning is defined by its context. Whether as a literal **oar** propelling a man-made vessel or a figurative **scourge** representing inescapable judgment, it serves to contrast the limits of human strength and the futility of false security with the absolute sovereignty and protection of God.
TRV