a primitive root; properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e. (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle); appear, look (down, forth, out).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâqaph**, represented by `{{H8259}}`, is a primitive root used to convey the act of looking. It appears **22 times** across **22 unique verses**. Its core meaning is properly to lean out of a window to peep or gaze, but by implication it expands to mean to look down, forth, out, or to appear as a spectacle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H8259}}` falls into several distinct contexts. It is frequently used for the literal act of a person looking out from a `{{H2474}}` **window**, as when Michal, Saul's daughter, **looked** through a window and **despised** David in her heart [[2 Samuel 6:16]]. In a contrasting sense, it describes a divine and powerful observation, such as when the `{{H3068}}` **LORD** **looked down** from `{{H8064}}` **heaven** to assess the children of men [[Psalms 14:2]]. The term can also denote something appearing or looking out from a direction, as in the warning that "evil **appeareth** out of the north" [[Jeremiah 6:1]], or describe a geographical vantage point, where a location **looketh** toward a region like **Jeshimon** [[Numbers 23:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of **shâqaph**:
* `{{H2474}}` **challôwn** (window): This is the physical opening through which the act of looking often takes place. It is the setting for the observations of Michal [[1 Chronicles 15:29]], Jezebel [[2 Kings 9:30]], and Sisera's mother [[Judges 5:28]].
* `{{H8064}}` **shâmayim** (heaven): This is the lofty position from which God **looks down** `{{H8259}}`. It establishes the divine perspective, contrasting with the limited, earthly view from a window ([[Psalms 53:2]], [[Deuteronomy 26:15]]).
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh** (to see): This word is often paired with `{{H8259}}`, showing a sequence of action. A person first **looks** `{{H8259}}` out, and then **sees** `{{H7200}}` something, as when Michal **looked** through a window and **saw** King David [[2 Samuel 6:16]].
* `{{H959}}` **bâzâh** (despise): This word describes the result of a human observation using `{{H8259}}`. After Michal **looked** out at David dancing, she **despised** him, linking the act of looking to human judgment [[1 Chronicles 15:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8259}}` is significant, highlighting the nature of divine versus human observation.
* **Divine Assessment:** God's act of "looking down" is not passive. He **looked down** from heaven to **see** if anyone understood or sought Him, implying a gaze of scrutiny and judgment ([[Psalms 14:2]], [[Psalms 53:2]]). This same active look was directed at the Egyptian host, resulting in their trouble [[Exodus 14:24]].
* **A Call for Intervention:** Humans plead for God to **look down** `{{H8259}}`, an act they believe will bring blessing and deliverance. This is seen in the prayer, "**Look down** from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel" [[Deuteronomy 26:15]] and in the cry, "Till the LORD **look down**, and behold from heaven" [[Lamentations 3:50]].
* **Human Vantage and Judgment:** In contrast, the human act of looking out is often from a confined space like a `{{H2474}}` **window** and leads to earthly reactions. Michal's look leads to contempt [[2 Samuel 6:16]], and Jezebel's defiant look precedes her death [[2 Kings 9:30]], illustrating a limited and often flawed perspective.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8259}}` **shâqaph** is a dynamic word of observation that draws a sharp distinction between the perspective of God and that of humanity. Whether it is a person peering from a window or the Lord gazing from the height of His sanctuary, the word signifies more than a simple glance. It captures an intentional look that assesses, judges, or responds, revealing the profound difference between the all-encompassing divine gaze and the limited, often critical, view of mankind.
TRV