שַׂכִּין
𐤔𐤊𐤉𐤍
sakkîyn
H7915 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A tool or instrument consisting of a sharp blade set in a handle, used for cutting; principally, a knife. In Biblical contexts, refers specifically to knives used in ritual, sacrificial, or culinary functions. The term usually indicates a pointed or edged cutting implement, rather than a sword or large weapon.
Semantic Range
knife; cutting implement; small bladed tool used for eating, food preparation, or minor ritual tasks; not a weapon of war
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root שׂכן (škn), but direct etymology is uncertain; likely related to a root meaning 'to be pointed' or 'to pierce.' The connection to the root שׂוּךְ ('to fence, hedge, entwine') is debated, and the suggested relationship to שֵׂכוּ or other roots may be based on phonetic similarity rather than historical derivation. Etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word שַׂכִּין appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible (notably in Proverbs 23:2), distinguished from general terms for weapons or large blades such as חֶרֶב (ḥerev, 'sword') or מַאֲכֶלֶת (ma’akhelet, ‘slaughter-knife’). In later Hebrew (Mishnaic and Rabbinic), שַׂכִּין becomes the standard term for 'knife' and encompasses a wide range of cutting tools. In the biblical period, it designates a small hand-held blade, appropriate for eating or certain sacrificial/cooking contexts, and is not associated with warfare. In English translation, 'knife' is accurate, but modern connotations (e.g., pocketknife, kitchen knife) are broader and sometimes differ from the specific ancient Israelite uses. The term is used irrespective of the specific material or precise dimensions of the blade. Later translations and traditions sometimes employ 'knife' in ritual contexts, where the meaning should reflect the broader ancient use. Contrasts with מַאֲכֶלֶת, which is generally used for ritualized or sacrificial blades, highlighting that שַׂכִּין is a more generic, non-ritual-specific term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
intensive perhaps from the same as שֵׂכוּ in the sense of שׂוּךְ; a knife (as pointed or edged); knife.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂכן (ś-k-n) — to be pointed, to pierce, sharpness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7915-01 |
שַׂכִּ֣ין | sakin | HNcmsa |
a knife | pointed knife | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7915-01 |
Proverbs 23:2 | שַׂכִּ֣ין | sakin | HNcmsa |
a knife | pointed knife |