שָׁלַג

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word שָׁלַג (shâlag), represented by H7949, is a primitive root that means to be white. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse. The term is used as a denominative from the Hebrew word for snow and means to be snow-white or to be as snow.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H7949 is in Psalms 68:14. In this verse, the psalmist describes a divine victory where the Almighty scatters kings. The result of this action is a scene that "was white as snow in Salmon." The word vividly portrays the dramatic and visible aftermath of God's powerful intervention against His enemies.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from its single biblical context help to clarify its meaning:

• H7706 Shadday (Almighty): Defined as the Almighty, this name for God identifies the divine actor in the verse. It is used to describe God's power in contexts of covenant Genesis 17:1, creative life Job 33:4, and fatherly correction Job 5:17.
• H6566 pâras (to break apart, disperse, etc.): This is the action taken by the Almighty, meaning to scatter or spread out. It is used elsewhere to describe God spreading out His hands Isaiah 65:2 or a virtuous woman stretching out her hand to the poor Proverbs 31:20.
• H4428 melek (a king): This word identifies those who were scattered. As a term for king or royal, it can refer to earthly rulers 2 Samuel 7:18 or to the LORD Himself as the King over all the earth Zechariah 14:9.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7949 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful use in scripture.

• Manifestation of Divine Power: The phrase "white as snow" is the visible result of the Almighty scattering kings. It depicts a divine victory so total that it transforms the landscape of the battle Psalms 68:14.
• Imagery of Judgment: The base definition notes a connection to "the linen clothing of the slain." This suggests the whiteness may symbolize the stark and widespread aftermath of God's judgment against opposing forces.
• The Action of the Almighty: The word's use is inseparable from the actor, Shadday H7706. It highlights that when the Almighty acts, the consequences are decisive, absolute, and visibly manifest Psalms 68:14.

Summary

In summary, H7949 is a highly specific and rare term. Its single occurrence in scripture serves as a powerful descriptor for the aftermath of divine intervention. It illustrates how the action of the Almighty in scattering kings results in a scene that is made white as snow, transforming a battlefield into a monument of God's absolute power and victory Psalms 68:14.