### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ), Strong's `{{H8156}}`, is a primitive verb primarily conveying the sense of "to split," "to cleave," or "to tear apart." Its core meaning denotes a forceful division or separation of something that was previously whole or unified. This action can be applied to physical objects, such as a bird in sacrifice or the hoof of an animal. The semantic range extends to include the descriptive adjective "cloven," particularly in the context of animal hooves. Figuratively, the root can imply a sharp division or cessation, as seen in the Hiphil form's meaning "to restrain" or "to cause to desist," effectively "splitting" or halting an action. While the base definition includes "to upbraid," this specific nuance is less clearly attested in direct biblical occurrences of this root in its verbal form, though the idea of a sharp, divisive verbal attack aligns with the core sense of tearing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ) in the Hebrew Bible highlight its primary literal and a significant metaphorical use:
1. **Ritual Sacrifice (Leviticus 1:17):** In the context of the burnt offering of a bird, the instruction is given: "And he shall cleave it with its wings, but shall not divide it asunder..." [[Leviticus 1:17]]. Here, the verb describes the precise, ritualistic splitting of the bird's body, indicating a partial rather than complete severance, distinct from other forms of animal sacrifice. This highlights the meticulous nature of Mosaic sacrificial law.
2. **Dietary Laws – "Cloven Hoof" (Leviticus 11:3, 7, 26; Deuteronomy 14:6, 7):** This is the most prominent usage of שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ), appearing frequently in the laws concerning clean and unclean animals. The phrase "parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted" (מַפְרִס פַּרְסָה וְשֹׁסַע שֶׁסַע פְּרָסֹת) is a key criterion for determining which animals are permissible for consumption. For example, [[Leviticus 11:3]] states, "Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat." Conversely, animals like the swine are declared unclean because "though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud" [[Leviticus 11:7]]. This usage emphasizes the physical characteristic of a hoof that is distinctly split into two parts.
3. **Figurative Restraint (1 Samuel 24:7):** In a unique and significant usage, the Hiphil form of שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ) appears when David prevents his men from harming Saul: "And David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul." [[1 Samuel 24:7]]. Here, "stayed" (וַיְשַׁסַּע) carries the sense of "to cause to split off" or "to cause to desist/hold back." David's words effectively "split off" or halted his men's violent intentions, preventing them from acting. This demonstrates a powerful act of restraint and control.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of splitting, tearing, or dividing is expressed by several Hebrew roots, each with distinct nuances:
* **`{{H1234}}` בָּקַע (bâqaʻ):** This root often denotes a more forceful or dramatic breaking open, cleaving, or bursting forth. It is used for splitting the earth [[Numbers 16:31]], rocks [[Psalm 78:15]], or even the sea [[Exodus 14:16]]. While both `{{H8156}}` and `{{H1234}}` can mean "to cleave," `{{H1234}}` often implies a larger, more impactful rupture, whereas `{{H8156}}` is more specific to the "cloven" state or a precise ritualistic splitting.
* **`{{H7167}}` קָרַע (qâraʻ):** This verb specifically means "to tear" or "to rend," most commonly referring to garments as an expression of grief, anger, or despair [[Genesis 37:29]], or to tearing flesh. It implies a less precise, often violent, or emotional act of tearing.
* **`{{H6536}}` פָּרַס (pâras):** This verb, often found in conjunction with שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ) in the dietary laws, means "to break" or "to divide." In the context of hooves, it refers to the general act of "parting" or "dividing" the hoof, while שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ) specifies that the division results in a "cloven" or clearly split hoof.
The concept of "distinction" (הַבְדָּלָה, `{{H914}}`) is closely related, particularly in the context of the clean and unclean animals. The physical characteristic described by שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ) serves as a visible marker of this divinely ordained distinction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ) is primarily rooted in its usage within the Mosaic Law, particularly the dietary regulations:
1. **Holiness and Separation:** The "cloven hoof" criterion for clean animals underscores God's call for Israel to be a holy and distinct people. These laws were not merely arbitrary but served as tangible reminders of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The physical "splitting" of the hoof symbolizes the spiritual separation and distinctiveness required of God's chosen people from the surrounding nations. It teaches the importance of discerning between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the common, which is a foundational principle of biblical holiness.
2. **Divine Order and Creation:** The consistent physical characteristic of the cloven hoof, alongside chewing the cud, points to a divine ordering within creation. God's design includes specific features that distinguish creatures, and these distinctions are then integrated into the framework of His covenant with humanity, guiding their practices.
3. **Sacrificial Purity:** In the context of the bird offering, the precise "cleaving" of the sacrifice [[Leviticus 1:17]] speaks to the meticulousness and exactitude required in approaching a holy God. It emphasizes that worship is not haphazard but must conform to divine instruction, reflecting the absolute purity and perfection of the One being worshipped.
4. **Moral Restraint and Obedience:** The unique usage in [[1 Samuel 24:7]] where David "stayed" or "restrained" his men from harming Saul highlights the ethical dimension. David's act of "splitting off" their violent intent demonstrates profound obedience to God's anointing, even when it was personally inconvenient or dangerous. It illustrates the power of righteous leadership to enforce moral boundaries and uphold divine principles, even against strong human impulses.
### Summary
The Hebrew root שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ), Strong's `{{H8156}}`, fundamentally means "to split" or "to cleave." Its most prominent biblical application is in describing the "cloven hoof" of animals, a key characteristic in the Mosaic dietary laws that served to distinguish clean from unclean animals. This usage underscores the theological principle of holiness and the call for Israel to be a separate and distinct people unto Yahweh. The verb also appears in the context of ritual sacrifice, where a bird is precisely "cleaved" [[Leviticus 1:17]], signifying the meticulousness required in worship. Furthermore, in a unique figurative sense, it describes David's act of "staying" or "restraining" his men [[1 Samuel 24:7]], illustrating the power of moral authority and obedience to God's will to halt destructive actions. Thus, שָׁסַע (shâçaʻ) points to both physical distinctions ordained by God and the spiritual and ethical divisions necessary for a life consecrated to Him.
TRV