שָׁלַח

shâlach /shaw-lakh'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
KJV usageappoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).
Idioms & phrasesidiom any wise · idiom earnestly
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word shâlach, represented by H7971, is a versatile primitive root primarily meaning to send away, for, or out. It appears 852 times in 790 unique verses, demonstrating its wide application in scripture. Its meaning extends from the literal act of sending a messenger to figurative uses like stretching forth a hand, casting out, or letting someone go free.

The Hebrew word shâlach, represented by H7971, is a versatile primitive root primarily meaning to send away, for, or out. It appears 852 times in 790 unique verses, demonstrating its wide application in scripture. Its meaning extends from the literal act of sending a messenger to figurative uses like stretching forth a hand, casting out, or letting someone go free.

Beyond the direct act of dispatching, H7971 frequently conveys the idea of an intentional projection of force, influence, or will. This is vividly seen in the phrase "to stretch forth one's hand," which can signify either a powerful act of intervention or a deliberate restraint from action. For instance, David twice refused to "stretch forth his hand" against Saul, recognizing Saul as the LORD's anointed 1 Samuel 24:6, 1 Samuel 26:9, demonstrating a conscious decision to withhold potentially destructive power. Conversely, the angel of the LORD "stretched out his hand" upon Jerusalem to destroy it, indicating a direct act of divine judgment 2 Samuel 24:

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H7971 is central to the concept of divine commissioning. God asks, "Whom shall I send H7971, and who will go for us?" before Isaiah volunteers Isaiah 6:8. The authority of a prophet is tied to being sent by God; false prophets are identified as those the LORD "hath not sent H7971" Jeremiah 28:15. The term also describes God's active power in the world, as when He sent H7971 His word to heal Psalms 107:20 or when His word is sent H7971 out to accomplish its purpose Isaiah 55:11. The word is also used for physical actions, such as God putt[ing] forth H7971 His hand to touch Jeremiah's mouth Jeremiah 1:9 or when Abraham is commanded not to lay H7971 his hand upon Isaac Genesis 22:12.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the scope of being sent on a mission:

  • H3318 yâtsâʼ (to go out, bring forth): This word often describes the departure that results from being sent. God says He will "cast them out" H7971 and "let them go forth" H3318 from His sight Jeremiah 15:1.
  • H6680 tsâvâh (to command, appoint): This term establishes the authority behind the act of sending. God disavows false prophets by stating, "I sent H7971 them not, neither have I commanded H6680 them" Jeremiah 14:14.
  • H3212 yâlak (to walk, go): This word describes the journey undertaken by the one who is sent. The call to Isaiah combines these concepts: "Whom shall I send H7971, and who will go H3212 for us?" Isaiah 6:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7971 is significant, highlighting God's direct interaction with humanity.

  • Divine Commission: To be sent H7971 by God is to be given a divine mandate and the authority of the sender. This is foundational to the missions of figures like Moses Exodus 3:14, the prophets Ezekiel 2:3, and even future messengers Malachi 3:1.
  • Enacting God's Will: God sends H7971 not only people but also His word Psalms 107:20, His spirit Psalms 104:30, His light and truth Psalms 43:3, and even His fear Exodus 23:27 to accomplish His purposes.
  • Judgment and Restoration: The term is used for both judgment and grace. God sends H7971 curses Malachi 2:2 and destructive armies Joel 2:25, but He also sends H7971 redemption Psalms 111:9 and His mercy Psalms 57:3.
  • Covenantal Action: The act of "sending away" is used in the legal context of divorce (Isaiah 50:1, Malachi 2:16) and to describe God casting Israel out of His sight for breaking the covenant 1 Kings 9:7, signifying a profound relational severance.

Summary

In summary, H7971 is a dynamic and crucial verb that defines divine action. It encompasses the commissioning of messengers, the extension of God's power through his word and spirit, the execution of both judgment and salvation, and the alteration of covenantal relationships. It reveals a God who is not distant but actively and purposefully sends forth His will into the world.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 845 occurrences, inflected in 86 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 198×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 110×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 38×
  • Piel Infinitive Construct 33×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 25×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 23×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 22×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 22×
  • Qal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 22×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 21×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 18×
  • Piel Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 16×

+ 74 rarer forms

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 790 verses across 34 books. Most frequent in Jeremiah (79 verses).

64
Genesis
65
Exodus
10
Leviticus
26
Numbers
20
Deuteronomy
23
Joshua
36
Judges
62
1 Samuel
56
2 Samuel
43
1 Kings
66
2 Kings
17
1 Chronicles
34
2 Chronicles
1
Ezra
13
Nehemiah
15
Esther
20
Job
32
Psalms
12
Proverbs
1
Ecclesiastes
1
Song of Solomon
31
Isaiah
79
Jeremiah
1
Lamentations
26
Ezekiel
2
Daniel
2
Hosea
3
Joel
9
Amos
3
Obadiah
1
Micah
1
Haggai
10
Zechariah
5
Malachi

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