שָׁגַח
𐤔𐤂𐤇
shâgach
H7688 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To look at intently or scrutinize closely, often with the connotation of close observation or surveillance. The verb suggests watching someone or something with particular care, concentration, or suspicion, typically with narrowed eyes or a sharply focused gaze. Its usage conveys active, sometimes even searching attention rather than passive viewing.
Semantic Range
to peer or glance sharply at, to scrutinize, to observe with focused attention, to look narrowly at, to watch intently
Root / Etymology
The verb שָׁגַח is derived from the root שׁגח, itself possibly expressing the core idea of attentive observation or scrutiny. This root is not widely attested outside of Biblical Hebrew, making its precise etymological connections to other Semitic languages difficult to establish; thus, the etymology is somewhat uncertain beyond its attested usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שָׁגַח appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in poetic and wisdom literature (Job 3:4, Psalm 33:13, 102:20). It differs from more common verbs for 'to see' (such as רָאָה, 'to see') or 'to look attentively' (הִבִּיט, 'to gaze'), in that שָׁגַח almost always implies active, focused attention or a searching gaze, often in the context of the divine looking upon humanity or distress. In post-biblical Hebrew, this verb is not commonly used, and alternative roots for 'to observe' become standard. Later English translations sometimes render the term with expressions like 'look narrowly', 'regard', or 'peer,' none of which fully capture the nuance of concentrated, scrutinizing observation. The word never developed specialized religious connotations (such as 'to watch over' in a providential sense) that would appear in later periods; its sense is always rooted in the act of perception itself. Contextually, it is more precise than general verbs for sight and can be associated with both hostile and compassionate scrutiny.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to peep, i.e. glance sharply at; look (narrowly).
Bantu Hebrew
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שׁגח (š-g-ḥ) — to look intently, to observe closely, to scrutinize
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7688-03 |
יַשְׁגִּ֔יחוּ | yashegichu | HVhi3mp |
will gaze | they will cause to scrutinize | 1 |
H7688-01 |
הִשְׁגִּ֑יחַ | hishegicha | HVhp3ms |
he looks out | he caused to scrutinize closely | 1 |
H7688-02 |
מַשְׁגִּ֨יחַ֙ | mashegicha | HVhrmsa |
looking | one who closely watches | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7688-03 |
Isaiah 14:16 | יַשְׁגִּ֔יחוּ | yashegichu | HVhi3mp |
will gaze | they will cause to scrutinize |
H7688-01 |
Psalms 33:14 | הִשְׁגִּ֑יחַ | hishegicha | HVhp3ms |
he looks out | he caused to scrutinize closely |
H7688-02 |
Song of Songs 2:9 | מַשְׁגִּ֨יחַ֙ | mashegicha | HVhrmsa |
looking | one who closely watches |