שָׁאַן
𐤔𐤀𐤍
shâʼan
H7599 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be secure, to feel safe or at ease, to rest in a state of tranquility or confidence. The word generally expresses the sense of being undisturbed by threat, anxiety, or hardship, whether in a physical, psychological, or social context. It can refer to individuals or communities living in security, or figuratively to the absence of turmoil or worry.
Semantic Range
to be at ease, to rest (securely), to feel secure, to dwell in safety, to be tranquil, to live free from anxiety, to be complacent; to enjoy temporary or illusory security
Root / Etymology
Root: שָׁאָן (SH-ʼ-N). The fundamental root meaning is 'to be at ease, to be secure, to rest securely.' The verb שָׁאַן derives directly from this root, and its basic meaning is to be in a state of restfulness or security—suggesting both external and internal peace, often in the sense of being free from fear.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, שָׁאַן regularly describes both personal and collective experiences of security and tranquility—typically in contexts where the absence of threat or adversity is highlighted. It appears in narratives, poetry, and prophetic literature (e.g., Deut 33:12; Jer 48:11; Ezek 16:49). The term is often applied to those living in comfort, sometimes with an implicit criticism of complacency, false security, or self-indulgence—especially in prophetic rebukes of societies at ease while neglecting justice or covenant obligations (see Ezek 16:49; Amos 6:1). The nuance of 'lolling' or 'lazing' is secondary and idiomatic, often reflecting a sense of habitual ease. The related place name בֵּית־שְׁאָן (Beth-shean) preserves the root’s connotation of restfulness or tranquility in a toponym. English translations often render the verb as 'be at ease,' 'rest,' or 'be secure,' but may lose the subtle distinctions between genuine versus complacent security, or physical versus psychological quiet. The term is distinct from שלם ('to be whole, complete') and נוח ('to rest, settle'), focusing more specifically on the subjective or communal experience of security.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to loll, i.e. be peaceful; be at ease, be quiet, rest. See also בֵּית שְׁאָן.
Bantu Hebrew
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שׁאן (sh-ʾ-n) — ease, security, tranquil rest
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7599-03 |
וְ/שַׁאֲנַ֖ן | veshaanan | HC/Vkq3ms |
and at ease | and he was at ease | 3 |
H7599-01 |
שַׁאֲנַ֨ן | shaanan | HVkp3ms |
at ease | secure, at ease | 1 |
H7599-02 |
שַׁאֲנָ֑נוּ | shaananu | HVkp3cp |
rest | they were at ease | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7599-03 |
Jeremiah 30:10 | וְ/שַׁאֲנַ֖ן | veshaanan | HC/Vkq3ms |
and-at-ease | and he was at ease |
H7599-03 |
Jeremiah 46:27 | וְ/שַׁאֲנַ֖ן | veshaanan | HC/Vkp3ms |
and at ease | and he was at ease |
H7599-01 |
Jeremiah 48:11 | שַׁאֲנַ֨ן | shaanan | HVkp3ms |
at ease | secure, at ease |
H7599-03 |
Proverbs 1:33 | וְ֝/שַׁאֲנַ֗ן | veshaanan | HC/Vkq3ms |
and shall be at ease | and he was at ease |
H7599-02 |
Job 3:18 | שַׁאֲנָ֑נוּ | shaananu | HVkp3cp |
rest | they were at ease |