a primitive root; to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate; prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shânan**, represented by `{{H8150}}`, is a primitive root meaning to point or sharpen. It is used intensively to mean piercing or, figuratively, to inculcate truth. Its meanings include to prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, and whet. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, conveying a sense of being honed for a specific and powerful impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H8150}}` carries both instructional and martial connotations. Figuratively, it is used as a command to "teach them diligently" to one's children, implying that God's laws should be sharpened and precisely impressed upon the heart [[Deuteronomy 6:7]]. More frequently, it describes the sharpening of weapons or things used as weapons. The wicked "whet their tongue like a sword" [[Psalms 64:3]] and have "sharpened their tongues like a serpent" [[Psalms 140:3]]. The word is also used to describe the readiness of God's judgment, as when He declares, "If I whet my glittering sword" [[Deuteronomy 32:41]]. It can also describe an internal, piercing feeling, as in being "pricked in my reins" [[Psalms 73:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the contexts in which something is sharpened or pointed:
* `{{H2671}}` **chêts** (a piercer, i.e. an arrow): This is the object most often described as sharp. The word `{{H8150}}` is used to describe sharp arrows intended for enemies ([[Isaiah 5:28]], [[Psalms 120:4]]). God's own "arrow" is compared to lightning in its speed and power [[Zechariah 9:14]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word; by implication, a matter): Words can be wielded as weapons. The wicked shoot "bitter words" as if they were arrows [[Psalms 64:3]]. In contrast, God's "words" are a source of joy and life when they are found and consumed [[Jeremiah 15:16]].
* `{{H1300}}` **bârâq** (lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword): This word describes the quality of a sharpened weapon. It is used alongside `{{H8150}}` to describe God's "glittering sword" as He prepares for judgment [[Deuteronomy 32:41]], emphasizing its readiness and terrifying gleam.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8150}}` is demonstrated in its application to divine commands, human speech, and God's judgment.
* **Inculcating Truth:** The command to "teach diligently" establishes that divine truth is not meant to be a dull or passive concept. It must be sharpened and actively impressed upon the mind and heart, ensuring it penetrates deeply and is passed to future generations [[Deuteronomy 6:7]].
* **The Power of Words:** Scripture uses `{{H8150}}` to illustrate the destructive capability of malicious speech. A false witness is equated with a "sharp arrow" [[Proverbs 25:18]], and a sharpened tongue is a weapon used by the wicked [[Psalms 140:3]]. This highlights the moral seriousness of language.
* **Precision of Divine Judgment:** God's own instruments of judgment are described as sharp. His arrows are sharp in the heart of His enemies [[Psalms 45:5]], and His sword is whetted for vengeance [[Deuteronomy 32:41]]. This portrays divine justice as something that is not clumsy or indiscriminate, but rather precise, piercing, and perfectly effective.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8150}}` is a dynamic word that conveys much more than physical sharpness. It encapsulates the idea of honing something to a point for maximum effect. Whether it is the positive command to inculcate God's law, the negative reality of words weaponized for harm, or the awesome power of divine judgment, **shânan** illustrates that which is prepared, pointed, and powerful enough to pierce its target. It serves as a reminder that ideas, words, and divine actions all carry a sharp and impactful edge.
TRV