שַׁחַל
𐤔𐤇𐤋
shachal
H7826 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large predatory feline, lion; denotes the animal most frequently referencing its strength, predatory behavior, and perceived fierceness. Used typically of the lion as a fearsome and dangerous creature, often in metaphorical contexts to evoke threat or power. In poetic texts, may serve to illustrate images of danger, sudden attack, or the presence of a formidable foe.
Semantic Range
lion, fierce lion, predatory animal, metaphor for a threatening adversary
Root / Etymology
Root/etymology uncertain. Though tradition connects שַׁחַל to a supposed root שׁחל meaning 'to roar,' this root is not attested elsewhere in biblical Hebrew. The form is found as a nominal designation for a lion, with no clear verbal root; ties to the idea of 'roaring' are conjectural based solely on possible onomatopoeia and comparative Semitics.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שַׁחַל occurs mostly in poetic or wisdom literature (e.g., Job 4:10; Psalms 91:13; Proverbs 26:13), where it is one of several terms for 'lion' but distinguished from others (such as כְּפִיר, לָבִיא, and אַרְיֵה) by poetic choice or nuance. It often denotes a particular type of lion, possibly the adult male, or accentuates its fierceness and predatory behavior. English translations often simply render the term 'lion,' which does not reflect subtle distinctions between the various Hebrew words for lion in the biblical text. There is no evidence this term had a specific ritual or symbolic use distinct from other lion terms in ancient Israelite life. Over time, the distinctions between the various terms for 'lion' appear to blur linguistically, but in older poetry, preserving these differences enhances the density of predatory-imagery. In later Jewish tradition (and in some translations), the nuances among lion terms are not maintained.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root probably meaning to roar; a lion (from his characteristic roar); (fierce) lion.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שחל (sh-ḥ-l) — fierceness, roaring (conjectured), predatory strength
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7827 | שְׁחֵלֶת | aromatic shell |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7826-03 |
שָׁ֑חַל | shachal | HNcmsa |
a lion | fierce lion | 5 |
H7826-01 |
כַּ/שַּׁ֣חַל | kashachal | HRd/Ncmsa |
like a lion | fierce lion | 1 |
H7826-02 |
כַ/שַּׁ֨חַל֙ | khashachal | HRd/Ncmsa |
like a lion | like a fierce lion | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7826-02 |
Hosea 5:14 | כַ/שַּׁ֨חַל֙ | khashachal | HRd/Ncmsa |
like a lion | like a fierce lion |
H7826-03 |
Hosea 13:7 | שָׁ֑חַל | shachal | HNcmsa |
a lion | fierce lion |
H7826-03 |
Psalms 91:13 | שַׁ֣חַל | shachal | HNcmsa |
lion | fierce lion |
H7826-03 |
Proverbs 26:13 | שַׁ֣חַל | shachal | HNcmsa |
a lion | fierce lion |
H7826-03 |
Job 4:10 | שָׁ֑חַל | shachal | HNcmsa |
fierce lion | fierce lion |
H7826-01 |
Job 10:16 | כַּ/שַּׁ֣חַל | kashachal | HRd/Ncmsa |
like a lion | fierce lion |
H7826-03 |
Job 28:8 | שָֽׁחַל | shachal | HNcmsa |
fierce lion | fierce lion |