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שָׁקַק

𐤔𐤒𐤒

shâqaq

H8264 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To move swiftly and energetically with a sense of restlessness or seeking, often in the manner of predatory animals. The term can describe ranging widely, roaming, rushing, or jostling, sometimes with an implication of eagerness or desire (literal or metaphorical). In poetic or figurative usage, it can be extended to describe longing or having a strong appetite for something.

Semantic Range

to rush or run (especially as of wild animals), to range or roam, to jostle or press forward, to long for eagerly, to have an appetite for, to surge energetically; by extension, to seek with desire

Root / Etymology

From the root שׁ־ק־ק, which conveys the notion of rushing, darting, or advancing quickly. The core root meaning relates to movement with drive or energy, emphasizing intensity or a pressing nature. The verb שָׁקַק develops from this sense and is primarily associated with actively striding or ranging, especially as seen in beasts of prey, but can refer to any rapid or forceful rushing about.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical Hebrew, שָׁקַק is primarily used in poetic or vivid narrative contexts to evoke the image of animals (such as lions or horses) in powerful, energetic movement—striding, rushing, or bounding over a landscape. The term can be used metaphorically to speak of energetic longing or intense movement of people, often with an undertone of desire or craving. While some translations render the verb as 'run to and fro' or 'seek greedily,' the core emphasis is on purposeful, dynamic motion rather than aimless wandering. In post-biblical Hebrew, the root is rarely used, and the concept is distinguished from verbs like חָרוּץ (to be diligent) or רָץ (to run), which focus more on speed or careful effort rather than the vivid, almost predatory ranging implied by שָׁקַק. In later rabbinic contexts, similar imagery is usually expressed through other roots. English translations often contextualize the verb within the action (jostle, run, surge), but may not fully capture the sense of energetic, purpose-driven movement inherent in the Hebrew.

Translation Consistency

primary "rush" 3 occurrences

The primary and most natural sense of שָׁקַק is energetic, rapid movement (rushing, running, surging, roaming). "Rush" is an everyday verb that covers swift physical motion (including jostling/pressing forward and roaming/ranging) while still allowing figurative extension (a rush of desire or yearning). It therefore best fits the typical biblical usage and will read naturally across forms.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"longing" (1x) "range swiftly" (1x) "thirsty" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily; have appetite, justle one against another, long, range, run (to and fro).

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.

Root Family

שׁ־ק־ק (shâqaq) — to move swiftly, to rush, to range, to be eager

Root שׁ־ק־ק to move swiftly, to rush, to range, to be eager

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H8264-01 שׁוֹקֵ֥ק shoqeq HVqrmsa ranging swift-ranging one rushing one 2
H8264-02 שׁוֹקֵקָ֑ה shoqeqah HVqrfsa longing she who ranges eagerly is longing 2
H8264-03 יָשֹׁ֗קּוּ yashoqu HVqi3mp they rush/run to and fro they range swiftly they range swiftly 1
H8264-04 יִֽשְׁתַּקְשְׁק֖וּ/ן yishetaqeshequn HVfi3mp/Sn they rush back and forth they rush about restlessly they rush about restlessly 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H8264-02 Isaiah 29:8 שׁוֹקֵקָ֑ה shoqeqah HVqrfsa longing she who ranges eagerly is longing
H8264-01 Isaiah 33:4 שׁוֹקֵ֥ק shoqeq HVqrmsa swarming swift-ranging one rushing one
H8264-03 Joel 2:9 יָשֹׁ֗קּוּ yashoqu HVqi3mp they rush/run to and fro they range swiftly they range swiftly
H8264-04 Nahum 2:5 יִֽשְׁתַּקְשְׁק֖וּ/ן yishetaqeshequn HVfi3mp/Sn they rush back and forth they rush about restlessly they rush about restlessly
H8264-02 Psalms 107:9 שֹׁקֵקָ֑ה shoqeqah HVqrfsa thirsty she who ranges eagerly thirsty
H8264-01 Proverbs 28:15 שׁוֹקֵ֑ק shoqeq HVqrmsa ranging swift-ranging one rushing one
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