שׁוּחַ
𐤔𐤅𐤇
shûwach
H7743 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To sink down, subside, collapse, or become lowered either physically or metaphorically; to bow, crouch, or adopt a posture of submission or distress. In metaphorical use, to be diminished, abased, or humbled, whether by circumstance or one's own act.
Semantic Range
to sink physically, to collapse or subside, to bow down (from weakness/distress), to be abased or humbled, to be diminished in status or condition, to experience emotional or social humiliation
Root / Etymology
Root שׁוּחַ (shûach) likely of Semitic origin, with the basic sense of becoming low or sunken. Cognate forms in other Semitic languages (such as Arabic سوخ with similar consonant structure) suggest meanings related to sinking or declining. The verbal root conveys the action of lowering oneself or descending, either physically or metaphorically.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, שׁוּחַ is rare and primarily appears in poetic or elevated literary contexts. In Job 9:28 and Psalms 44:26 (Eng. 44:25), it refers to a person or the psalmist sinking or being brought low by trouble, distress, or defeat, connoting both physical descent (e.g., into the dust or ground) and deep emotional or social humiliation. The term is closely related to other Hebrew words for bowing or depression, such as כָּרַע (kara‘, to kneel), but שׁוּחַ emphasizes the aspect of sinking down as the result of weakness, oppression, or calamity, rather than voluntary obeisance. In later Hebrew, the sense is less prominent and does not develop significant theological nuance. Standard English renderings ('sink', 'bow down', 'be humbled') capture much of its sense but can obscure the vivid physical or emotional imagery in Hebrew, where the word describes states of deep abasement rather than routine humility. The term is attested in exilic and post-exilic poetry with particular poignancy, reflecting contexts of national disaster or personal despair. In relation to terms like שָׁחָה (shachah, to bow down in worship), שׁוּחַ is more associated with being overcome by external pressure or circumstance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to sink, literally or figuratively; bow down, incline, humble.
Bantu Hebrew
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שׁוח (sh-w-ḥ) — to sink, to bow down, to be brought low, to collapse
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7743-01 |
שָׁ֣חָה | shachah | HVqp3fs |
is bowed down | she sank down | 2 |
H7743-02 |
וְ/תָשׁ֥וֹחַ | vetashocha | HC/Vqi3fs |
and it bows down | and she sinks down | 1 |
H7743-03 |
ו/תשיח | vtshych | HC/Vhi3fs |
and it causes to meditate | and she will bring low | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7743-01 |
Psalms 44:26 | שָׁ֣חָה | shachah | HVqp3fs |
is bowed down | she sank down |
H7743-01 |
Proverbs 2:18 | שָׁ֣חָה | shachah | HVqp3fs |
sinks down | she sank down |
H7743-03 |
Lamentations 3:20 | ו/תשיח | vtshych | HC/Vhi3fs |
and it causes to meditate | and she will bring low |
H7743-02 |
Lamentations 3:20 | וְ/תָשׁ֥וֹחַ | vetashocha | HC/Vqi3fs |
and it bows down | and she sinks down |