from שָׁקַק; properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grain, etc.); sack(-cloth, -clothes).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **saq**, represented by `{{H8242}}`, refers to a coarse loose cloth or sacking. It appears **48 times** across **46 unique verses**, and its meaning encompasses both a garment used in mourning and a simple bag for carrying goods. Its primary use in scripture is to signify deep distress, repentance, or grief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8242}}` is used in two key contexts. Most frequently, it is a garment symbolizing mourning or repentance. When Jacob believed his son Joseph was dead, he rent his clothes and put **sackcloth** upon his loins [[Genesis 37:34]]. Similarly, when the people of Nineveh repented, they proclaimed a fast and put on **sackcloth**, from the greatest of them to the least [[Jonah 3:5]]. In a more literal sense, `{{H8242}}` is used to mean a bag for carrying provisions. Joseph commanded his servants to fill his brothers' **sacks** with corn [[Genesis 42:25]], and it is also listed as a household item that can become unclean [[Leviticus 11:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to illuminate the use and meaning of `{{H8242}}`:
* `{{H2296}}` **châgar** (to gird on): This verb is frequently paired with sackcloth, describing the act of putting it on as a sign of mourning or urgency, as seen when the daughters of Rabbah are told to **gird** themselves with **sackcloth** [[Jeremiah 49:3]].
* `{{H665}}` **ʼêpher** (ashes): Often used alongside sackcloth to signify the depths of repentance and grief. Mordecai put on sackcloth with **ashes** [[Esther 4:1]], and Daniel sought God with fasting, sackcloth, and **ashes** [[Daniel 9:3]].
* `{{H5594}}` **çâphad** (to lament): This word for wailing or mourning is an action associated with wearing sackcloth. Prophets command the people to gird themselves with sackcloth and **lament** in the face of judgment [[Jeremiah 49:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8242}}` is found in its consistent use as an outward expression of an inward state of humility and desperation before God.
* **A Symbol of Grief:** It is the primary garment of mourning in scripture. Jacob wore it for his son [[Genesis 37:34]], David wore it for Abner [[2 Samuel 3:31]], and the elders of Zion wore it after the destruction of Jerusalem [[Lamentations 2:10]].
* **An Expression of Repentance:** Wearing sackcloth was a physical act demonstrating a turn from sin. King Ahab humbled himself by putting **sackcloth** upon his flesh [[1 Kings 21:27]], and the king of Nineveh covered himself with it as he sat in ashes [[Jonah 3:6]].
* **A Posture of Supplication:** It is consistently linked with fasting and prayer, signifying earnestness and humility. David humbled his soul with fasting, and his clothing was **sackcloth** [[Psalms 35:13]], while Daniel paired it with prayer and supplications [[Daniel 9:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8242}}` is a word with both a practical and a profound spiritual meaning. While it can literally refer to a bag for carrying grain [[Genesis 42:25]] or goods [[Joshua 9:4]], its far more significant role is as the symbolic garment of grief, repentance, and humble prayer. From a father's sorrow to a king's repentance, the wearing of **saq** demonstrates a powerful, visible appeal to God from a heart in distress.
TRV