### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâçaʻ**, represented by `{{H8156}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **split** or **tear**. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from the literal cleaving of an animal's hoof or a sacrificial bird to the figurative act of restraining or upbraiding someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law and narrative, `{{H8156}}` is used in several distinct contexts. Its most frequent application is in the dietary laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where being "clovenfooted" `{{H8156}}` is a key characteristic of animals considered clean to eat [[Leviticus 11:3]]. The word also describes a specific action in sacrificial ritual, where a priest is instructed to **cleave** `{{H8156}}` a bird offering without completely dividing it [[Leviticus 1:17]]. In a demonstration of supernatural power, Samson **rent** `{{H8156}}` a lion [[Judges 14:6]], while in a figurative sense, David **stayed** `{{H8156}}` his servants with words, tearing them away from their intent to harm Saul [[1 Samuel 24:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of splitting and dividing:
* `{{H8157}}` **sheçaʻ** (a fissure; cleft, clovenfooted): This noun is derived from `{{H8156}}` and is often used alongside it to describe the "cleft" or state of being clovenfooted that marks a clean animal [[Deuteronomy 14:6]].
* `{{H6536}}` **pâraç** (to break in pieces... split, distribute): Used in the dietary laws to describe an animal that "divideth" the hoof, this action is a prerequisite for being "clovenfooted" `{{H8156}}` [[Leviticus 11:7]].
* `{{H6541}}` **parṣâh** (a claw or split hoof): This noun is the object being acted upon by `{{H8156}}`, identifying the "hoof" that must be split for an animal to be ritually clean [[Deuteronomy 14:7]].
* `{{H914}}` **bâdal** (to divide... separate): This word provides a crucial contrast in the sacrificial law, where a bird is to be cleaved `{{H8156}}` but explicitly not "divided asunder" `{{H914}}`, indicating a partial split rather than a full separation [[Leviticus 1:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and figurative weight of `{{H8156}}` is significant.
* **Ritual Distinction:** The act of being "clovenfooted" `{{H8156}}` serves as a physical marker ordained by God to distinguish the clean from the unclean, embedding a principle of separation and holiness into the daily life of Israel [[Leviticus 11:3]].
* **Controlled Worship:** The command to **cleave** `{{H8156}}` a sacrifice without fully dividing it underscores the precision and obedience required in acts of worship, where following God's exact instruction is paramount [[Leviticus 1:17]].
* **Decisive Strength:** The word conveys immense power, whether it is the physical strength granted by God to Samson to **rend** a lion [[Judges 14:6]] or the moral strength of David to **stay** his men from sin [[1 Samuel 24:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8156}}` is a powerful verb that moves beyond a simple definition of splitting. It is fundamental to the biblical laws of kashrut, provides specific instructions for sacrifice, and vividly illustrates acts of both physical and moral force. The usage of **shâçaʻ** demonstrates how a single, concrete action can carry profound legal, spiritual, and ethical significance within the biblical text.
TRV