### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root שָׁתַק (shâthaq), transliterated as `{{H8367}}`, is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to subside." This primary sense extends into a semantic range that includes "to be calm," "to cease," and "to be quiet." The verb implies a movement from a state of activity, agitation, or noise to one of stillness, tranquility, or silence. It denotes the cessation of a disturbance, whether it be the raging of a storm, the clamor of voices, or the activity of a particular phenomenon. The nuance of "subsiding" suggests a gradual or decisive settling down, often in response to an external influence or the natural conclusion of an event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root שָׁתַק (shâthaq) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly illustrative of its meaning:
1. **Jonah 1:11-12:** Here, שָׁתַק is used twice in reference to the tumultuous sea. In [[Jonah 1:11]], the sailors ask Jonah, "What shall we do to you, that the sea may שָׁתַק (shâthaq) from us?" The context is a violent storm sent by God. In [[Jonah 1:12]], Jonah replies, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will שָׁתַק (shâthaq) for you." In this context, שָׁתַק unequivocally describes the cessation of the storm's fury, the calming of the raging waters. It signifies a return to a state of peace and stillness from a state of dangerous chaos, directly linked to divine intervention.
2. **Job 32:16:** Elihu, having waited for Job's friends to finish speaking, observes, "And when I had waited (for they spoke not, but שָׁתַק (shâthaq), and answered no more)." Here, שָׁתַק refers to the cessation of speech or argument. The friends of Job had exhausted their words and fallen silent, indicating a pause in their discourse, perhaps out of perplexity or the inability to offer further refutations. This usage highlights the "quiet" or "silence" aspect of the root, particularly in a conversational or argumentative context.
These occurrences demonstrate the versatility of שָׁתַק, applying it to both natural phenomena (the sea) and human action (speech), consistently conveying the idea of a cessation of activity leading to a state of quiet or calm.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of שָׁתַק (shâthaq) overlaps with several other Hebrew terms related to silence, rest, and cessation:
* `{{H1826}}` דָּמַם (damam): "to be silent, cease, be still." This word often implies a cessation of activity, noise, or even life, and can be used for silence (e.g., [[Psalm 4:4]]) or the stillness of death (e.g., [[1 Samuel 2:9]]).
* `{{H2790}}` חָרַשׁ (charash): "to be silent, deaf, keep silence." This term frequently denotes a deliberate act of silence or keeping quiet (e.g., [[Exodus 14:14]]).
* `{{H7951}}` שָׁקַט (shaqat): "to be quiet, undisturbed, at rest." This word is very close in meaning to שָׁתַק, particularly in describing a period of peace or rest from war or trouble (e.g., [[Judges 3:11]]). While שָׁתַק often implies the *process* of subsiding, שָׁקַט tends to describe the *state* of being quiet or at rest.
* `{{H5117}}` נוּחַ (nuach): "to rest, settle down, be at ease." This broader term encompasses physical rest, settling, and finding peace (e.g., [[Genesis 8:4]]).
In contrast, שָׁתַק stands opposite concepts of noise, agitation, and chaos, such as `{{H7493}}` רָגַשׁ (ragash), "to be tumultuous" (e.g., [[Psalm 2:1]]), or `{{H5458}}` סְעָרָה (s'arah), "storm, tempest" (e.g., [[Jonah 1:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁתַק (shâthaq) is profound, particularly in its rare but impactful occurrences:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Chaos:** The use of שָׁתַק in Jonah is a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation. The sea, a symbol of untamed power and often chaos in ancient Near Eastern thought, only שָׁתַק (subsided/calmed) when God's will was enacted through Jonah. This demonstrates that even the most formidable natural forces are subject to divine command. It underscores God's ability to bring order out of chaos, peace out of turmoil, and stillness to the most violent disturbances, echoing other biblical narratives of God's control over the waters (e.g., [[Psalm 107:29]]).
2. **The Necessity of Human Silence Before Divine Truth:** In Job, Elihu's observation that the friends שָׁתַק (ceased speaking) highlights the inadequacy of human wisdom and argument in the face of profound suffering and divine mystery. Their silence, a cessation of their flawed understanding and pronouncements, prepares the way for Elihu's more discerning words and ultimately for God's direct revelation. This suggests a theological quietude, where human striving and noisy assertions must שָׁתַק for divine truth to be heard and apprehended. It implies humility and a recognition of the limits of human reason when confronted with the infinite wisdom of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root שָׁתַק (shâthaq), `{{H8367}}`, conveys the core meaning of "to subside," extending to "be calm," "cease," and "be quiet." Though appearing rarely, its uses are highly significant. In the book of Jonah ([[Jonah 1:11]], [[Jonah 1:12]]), it vividly describes the miraculous calming of a raging sea, powerfully illustrating God's absolute control over creation and His ability to bring order and peace out of chaos. This underscores divine omnipotence and sovereignty. In the book of Job ([[Job 32:16]]), שָׁתַק refers to the cessation of human speech, signifying a profound silence or lack of further argument. This particular usage highlights the limits of human wisdom and the necessity of quietude or humble silence before the profound truths of God. Thus, שָׁתַק encapsulates both the physical cessation of disturbance and the intellectual or verbal cessation, pointing to a state of stillness that often precedes or accompanies a deeper divine intervention or revelation.
TRV