a primitive root; properly, meaning to be white; used only as denominative from שֶׁלֶג; to be snow-white (with the linen clothing of the slain); be as snow.
### 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]].
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