### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâqad**, represented by `{{H8245}}`, signifies a state of alertness or sleeplessness. It appears 12 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. Its core meaning is to be on the lookout, which can be for a positive purpose (for good) or a negative one (for ill), and can be translated as to **hasten**, **remain**, **wake**, or **watch**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8245}}` is used to describe both divine and human vigilance. The LORD is depicted as **watching** over His people for judgment, as when a leopard is said to **watch** over their cities due to their transgressions [[Jeremiah 5:6]], or when He promises to **watch** over them for evil and not for good [[Jeremiah 44:27]]. Conversely, God also **watches** over them for restoration, promising to **watch over** them to build and to plant [[Jeremiah 31:28]]. He is also said to **hasten** His word to perform it [[Jeremiah 1:12]]. For humans, the term describes the diligence required to gain wisdom by **watching** daily at wisdom's gates [[Proverbs 8:34]], as well as the solemn duty to **watch** over sacred items [[Ezra 8:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of vigilance and its context:
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.): This word is often used alongside shâqad to emphasize a comprehensive state of vigilance. For instance, without the LORD to **keep** (shâmar) the city, the watchman (shâmar) **waketh** (shâqad) in vain [[Psalms 127:1]]. It also appears as a command to **Watch** ye (shâqad), and **keep** (shâmar) them [[Ezra 8:29]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build (literally and figuratively)): This root is used in direct contrast to destructive actions, both of which are under God's watchful eye. God states that just as He has watched over them to pluck up and destroy, so will He **watch over** them to **build** and to plant [[Jeremiah 31:28]].
* `{{H120}}` **ʼâdâm** (ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)): The act of watching for wisdom is portrayed as a blessing for any **man**. The text states, "Blessed is the **man** (ʼâdâm) that heareth me, **watching** (shâqad) daily at my gates" [[Proverbs 8:34]].
* `{{H1406}}` **gâg** (a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar): This word provides a physical location for the act of watching, often suggesting isolation. The psalmist expresses his loneliness by saying, "I **watch**, and am as a sparrow alone upon the **house top** (gâg)" [[Psalms 102:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8245}}` is significant, highlighting God's active involvement in the world.
* **Sovereign Alertness for Judgment and Blessing:** The word underscores God's active, sleepless oversight of human affairs. He is shown to **watch** over nations for evil as a consequence of sin [[Jeremiah 44:27]], but also to **watch over** them for the purpose of restoration, promising to build and to plant [[Jeremiah 31:28]].
* **The Fulfillment of God's Word:** God's watchfulness is directly tied to the certainty of His declarations. The LORD affirms, "I will **hasten** my word to perform it" [[Jeremiah 1:12]], indicating His readiness to act on His promises.
* **The Mandate for Spiritual Diligence:** `{{H8245}}` is used to call for a state of constant spiritual readiness. Wisdom calls for a person to be **watching** daily at her gates [[Proverbs 8:34]], and leaders are instructed to **watch** over sacred things until they are accounted for [[Ezra 8:29]].
* **The Futility of Evil Vigilance:** In contrast to godly watching, the term can also describe a malicious lookout. Scripture promises that "all that **watch** for iniquity" will be cut off [[Isaiah 29:20]], showing that vigilance for wicked purposes leads to destruction.
### Summary
In summary, **shâqad** `{{H8245}}` conveys a powerful concept of sleepless vigilance. It is not a passive waiting but an active, alert watchfulness that can be for either judgment or restoration. The term is applied to God's sovereign execution of His word [[Jeremiah 1:12]] and His plans for His people [[Jeremiah 31:28]], as well as to the human responsibility to be diligent in seeking wisdom and guarding what is sacred [[Proverbs 8:34]]. From a watchman on a wall to God overseeing history, **shâqad** illustrates the profound importance of being alert.
TRV