English · KJV
H8264

שָׁקַק

shâqaq /shaw-kak'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily
KJV usagehave appetite, justle one against another, long, range, run (to and fro).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of shâqaq — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word shâqaq, represented by H8264, is a primitive root describing intense, greedy motion or desire. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The word's definition encompasses a range of actions: to course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily; have appetite, justle one against another, long, range, run (to and fro).

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

Biblically, H8264 is used to convey both physical action and internal state. It depicts chaotic, aggressive movement, as when chariots justle one against another in the streets Nahum 2:4 or an invading force is described as those who run to and fro in the city Joel 2:9. The term is also applied to the predatory instinct of a wicked ruler, who is compared to a ranging bear Proverbs 28:15. In a more figurative sense, it illustrates a deep, unsatisfied need, such as when a thirsty man awakens from a dream and his soul hath appetite Isaiah 29:8 or when the scripture speaks of a longing soul Psalms 107:9.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of H8264:

  • H4944 mashshâq (running to and fro): This noun is derived from H8264 and describes rapid motion. It is used in parallel with its root verb to describe the plundering of spoil like the running to and fro of locusts Isaiah 33:4.
  • H7323 rûwts (to run): This verb often appears in contexts of urgent or swift movement. It is used alongside H8264 to describe the speed of invading armies Joel 2:9 and is also used to command clarity in a vision, "that he may run that readeth it" Habakkuk 2:2.
  • H7646 sâbaʻ (to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction): This word provides a direct contrast to the longing implied by H8264. It describes the divine provision that meets human need, as when God satisfieth the longing soul Psalms 107:9.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of H8264 are significant, touching on themes of judgment, human need, and divine provision.

  • Imagery of Judgment: The word's sense of chaotic, rushing movement is used to illustrate divine judgment. It describes the frantic motion of enemy chariots Nahum 2:4 and the swarming of an invading army compared to locusts Joel 2:9, portraying forces acting as instruments of discipline or destruction.
  • The Nature of Unsatisfied Desire: H8264 captures the essence of a deep, unfulfilled longing. This can be a predatory greed, like that of a wicked ruler Proverbs 28:15, or the profound emptiness of a soul that dreams of satisfaction but awakens to find none Isaiah 29:8.
  • God as the Ultimate Satisfaction: The most powerful theological point emerges in contrast. The very "longing" (shâqaq) soul is the one that God satisfieth Psalms 107:9. This presents the restless, seeking nature of humanity as a condition that finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment only in God's goodness.

Summary

In summary, H8264 shâqaq is a dynamic verb that conveys more than simple movement. It captures a sense of frantic, greedy, and often chaotic energy. From the justling of war chariots and the predatory ranging of a bear to the deep, unsatisfied appetite of the human soul, the word paints a vivid picture of restlessness and need. Ultimately, its use in scripture highlights a profound truth: while the world is full of this restless running and longing, only God can satisfy the soul and bring its striving to an end.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • שׁוֹקֵקָה
  • שׁוֹקֵק
  • יִשְׁתַּקְשְׁקוּ
  • יָשֹׁקּוּ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H4944 מַשָּׁק from שָׁקַק; a traversing, i.e. rapid motion; running to and fro. H7323 רוּץ a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush); break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring h H7646 שָׂבַע or שָׂבֵעַ; a primitive root; to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively); have enough, fill (full, s

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 5 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Isaiah (2 verses); never once in the other 34.

1
Psalms
1
Proverbs
2
Isaiah
1
Joel
1
Nahum

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.