a primitive root; to weave (i.e. lay) a trap; figuratively, (through the idea of secreting) to allay (passions; physically, abate a flood); appease, assuage, make to cease, pacify, set.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâkak**, represented by `{{H7918}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning that involves both **abating** and **setting**. It appears only **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, indicating its specialized use. Its core definition encompasses the ideas of weaving or laying a trap, and figuratively, allaying passions, abating a flood, or causing something to cease.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7918}}` is applied to both divine actions and human emotions or schemes. God causes the flood **waters** to **asswage** [[Genesis 8:1]], demonstrating control over the natural world. In a similar display of authority, He promises to **make to cease** the murmurings of the Israelites [[Numbers 17:5]]. Conversely, the word describes the actions of wicked men who **set** snares to trap people [[Jeremiah 5:26]]. It is also used twice to describe the calming of a king's anger, which was **appeased** [[Esther 2:1]] and later **pacified** [[Esther 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H7918}}` is used:
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh** (heat; figuratively, anger, poison): This word for wrath or fury is the object that is **pacified** by `{{H7918}}` in the book of Esther, showing the power to calm intense emotion [[Esther 7:10]].
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): These are the waters of the great flood that are made to **asswage** by God's intervention, linking `{{H7918}}` to the subsidence of a physical force [[Genesis 8:1]].
* `{{H3353}}` **yâqûwsh** (snare, fowler): This word for snares is used in direct connection with `{{H7918}}`, where wicked men **set** them to trap others [[Jeremiah 5:26]].
* `{{H8519}}` **tᵉlûwnâh** (a grumbling; murmuring): This refers to the complaints of the Israelites, which God promises to **make to cease**, highlighting the use of `{{H7918}}` to end a state of rebellion or discontent [[Numbers 17:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7918}}` is evident in its specific applications.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word underscores God's absolute power. He is the one who can **asswage** the destructive waters of a global flood [[Genesis 8:1]] and **make to cease** the rebellious murmurings of His people [[Numbers 17:5]].
* **Human Malice:** In contrast to God's power, `{{H7918}}` is used to describe the deliberate, wicked scheming of men who **set** traps for others, illustrating a clear aspect of human sinfulness [[Jeremiah 5:26]].
* **The Calming of Wrath:** The appeasement of King Ahasuerus's wrath shows how `{{H7918}}` can represent the resolution of intense and potentially destructive anger, a theme present in both human and divine interactions throughout scripture ([[Esther 2:1]], [[Esther 7:10]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7918}}` is a potent and specific verb that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant meaning. It uniquely connects the concept of causing a force to subside—be it water, anger, or rebellion—with the opposing idea of actively setting a trap. This demonstrates a range from divine, restorative power to malicious human intent, making each of its five appearances a noteworthy moment in the biblical text.
TRV