שָׁכֵחַ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word shâkêach, represented by H7913, means to forget or be oblivious. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses, where it denotes a serious spiritual failure. The term describes the act of willfully neglecting or becoming oblivious to God and His commands.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H7913 is used to describe a deliberate turning away from God that carries severe consequences. In Psalms, it is stated that the wicked and "all the nations that forget God" will be turned into hell Psalms 9:17. Isaiah uses the word to condemn those who have forsaken the LORD, identifying them as those who "forget my holy mountain" to pursue other forms of worship Isaiah 65:11. In both instances, the act of forgetting is linked to judgment and active rebellion.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and gravity of what it means to forget God:

• H7563 râshâʻ (morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person): This term defines the character of those who forget God. The act of forgetting is not neutral; it is an attribute of the wicked Psalms 9:17.
• H5800 ʻâzab (to loosen, i.e. relinquish... forsake): This word is used in parallel with H7913, showing that to forget God is synonymous with the active choice to forsake Him Isaiah 65:11.
• H7725 shûwb (to turn back (hence, away)): This word describes the consequence for those who forget God, as they "shall be turned into hell" Psalms 9:17. Conversely, it is also the word used for the call to return to the LORD Isaiah 55:7.
• H430 ʼĕlôhîym (God): This is the one who is forgotten. To forget God is to reject the one who created heaven and earth Genesis 1:1, who promises to lead and strengthen His people Isaiah 41:10, and who requires justice and humility Micah 6:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7913 is significant, highlighting a core aspect of spiritual apostasy.

• Forgetting as Forsaking: The scriptures link forgetting directly with forsaking. To forget God's holy mountain is to forsake the LORD Himself Isaiah 65:11. This implies that forgetting is not a passive lapse in memory but an active decision to abandon the covenant relationship.
• A Characteristic of the Wicked: Forgetting God is presented as a defining trait of the wicked H7563, placing it in direct opposition to the path of righteousness Psalms 9:17.
• Divine Judgment: The act of forgetting God invites a divine response. Those who are oblivious to Him face the consequence of being "turned into hell" Psalms 9:17, a reversal of the call for the wicked to turn back to God for mercy Isaiah 55:7.

Summary

In summary, H7913 is a term that, while rare, carries immense theological gravity. It moves beyond the simple idea of being absent-minded and defines a deliberate state of being oblivious to God's presence, authority, and commands. This act is equated with forsaking the LORD, is a hallmark of the wicked, and results in judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that a foundational element of faith is active and continual remembrance of God.