שָׁעַן

shâʻan /shaw-an'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto support one's self
KJV usagelean, lie, rely, rest (on, self), stay.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word shâʻan, represented by H8172, is a primitive root defined as to support one's self; lean, lie, rely, rest (on, self), stay. It appears 22 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible. This term encapsulates both the literal act of physical leaning for support and the profound figurative concept of placing one's trust and reliance on a person or power.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, H8172 often draws a sharp contrast between proper and improper objects of reliance. Literarily, it can describe a king who leaned on his official's hand 2 Kings 7:2 or Samson wanting to lean upon the pillars of a house Judges 16:26. Figuratively, it is a key term for trust. The people are warned against going to Egypt for help and to stay on horses Isaiah 31:1, an act of reliance that is condemned. This is contrasted with the command to trust God and lean not on one's own understanding Proverbs 3:5. In a powerful illustration, Judah's children are said to have prevailed in battle specifically because they relied upon the LORD 2 Chronicles 13:18.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help illuminate the concept of support and reliance:

  • H982 bâṭach: a primitive root; properly, to hide for refuge (but not so precipitately as חָסָה); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure. This word is often used in parallel with shâʻan to emphasize the choice between trusting in the LORD and leaning on human means Proverbs 3:5.
  • H5975 ʻâmad: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations. Its meaning is contrasted with H8172 in the context of unreliable support; one who leans on a faulty house will find that it shall not stand Job 8:15.
  • H7665 shâbar: a primitive root; to burst (literally or figuratively); break. This describes the outcome of misplaced reliance, as when Israel leaned on Egypt, "thou brakest," demonstrating the failure of false supports Ezekiel 29:7.
  • H5826 ʻâzar: a primitive root; to surround, i.e. protect or aid; help, succour. This word is linked to reliance, as King Asa cried to God for help because "we rest on thee" 2 Chronicles 14:11.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H8172 is significant, focusing on the foundation of one's faith.

  • The Object of Reliance: The word consistently forces a choice between leaning on the Creator or the creation. King Asa is rebuked for having relied on the king of Syria rather than the LORD 2 Chronicles 16:7, showing that the object of one's reliance is a critical measure of faithfulness.
  • Consequences of Trust: Leaning on the wrong thing leads to ruin. Egypt is described as a staff that breaks when leaned upon Ezekiel 29:7, and a wicked man who resteth on his perceived safety will still face judgment Job 24:23. In contrast, the remnant of Israel is promised to one day stay upon the LORD in truth Isaiah 10:20.
  • Hypocritical Leaning: The term is used to expose false faith. The leaders in Micah's day are condemned for their corruption, even while they "will lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us?" Micah 3:11. This demonstrates that true reliance cannot coexist with willful disobedience.

Summary

In summary, shâʻan H8172 is far more than a word about physical posture. It is a powerful biblical metaphor for dependence and trust. It frames the central spiritual decision for believers: whether to place their support on the fallible strength of man and the world, or to rest completely in the infallible power and faithfulness of God. The consequences of this choice, as illustrated by the use of this word, are a matter of stability or collapse, victory or defeat.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 22 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Infinitive Construct 4×
  • Niphal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 4×
  • Niphal Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Niphal Conjunction+Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Niphal Consecutive Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×

+ 1 rarer form

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.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
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 20 verses across 11 books. Most frequent in 2 Chronicles (4 verses).

1
Genesis
1
Numbers
1
Judges
1
2 Samuel
3
2 Kings
4
2 Chronicles
2
Job
1
Proverbs
4
Isaiah
1
Ezekiel
1
Micah

Verse Explorer

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