### 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.
TRV