שָׁשָׁא
𐤔𐤔𐤀
shâshâʼ
H8338 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
The lexical meaning of שָׁשָׁא ('shâshâʼ') is highly uncertain. In its sole biblical occurrence (Ezekiel 16:4, in variant textual traditions), it is probably a scribal error or a confused reading, and thus does not have a stable semantic range. Lexical tradition has associated it with ideas of complete destruction or annihilation, but this is based on conjectural emendation and confusion with similar roots.
Semantic Range
(speculative) to annihilate, to reduce, to leave a remnant, to wipe out (not lexically attested but presumed from context and conjecture)
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. Traditionally related to the root שׁשׁ (shin-shin), which in some Semitic languages can have meanings connected with 'destroy, desolate' or, in Aramaic, 'to be white, shine,' though these are likely unrelated. The form שָׁשָׁא is not attested elsewhere, suggesting possible scribal error or confusion with שָׁשָׁה (to leave as a sixth part).
Historical & Contextual Notes
שָׁשָׁא appears only in non-Masoretic textual traditions and is likely the result of a textual confusion, particularly in Ezekiel 16:4, where ancient versions and manuscripts differ. Some lexicons posit it as a verb meaning 'to annihilate' or 'reduce,' but this is based on late or speculative conjecture. In established Masoretic tradition, the root is not securely attested, and most modern critical editions note the uncertainty. It should not be confused with שֵׁשׁ (linen) or with שָׁשָׂה (to rejoice). Standard English translations do not render a form of this root. The appearance in Strong's reflects older lexicography's tendency to assign meaning to rare or dubious forms based on root similarity rather than concrete usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
xlit shâwshâw corrected to shâshâʼ; a primitive root; apparently,; to annihilate; leave by the sixth part (by confusion with שָׁשָׁה).
Bantu Hebrew
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שׁשׁא (sh-sh-ʾ) — uncertain; possibly annihilation, destruction, reduction
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8338-01 |
וְ/שִׁשֵּׁאתִ֔י/ךָ | veshishetikha | HC/Vpq1cs/Sp2ms |
and drive you on | and I annihilated you | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8338-01 |
Ezekiel 39:2 | וְ/שִׁשֵּׁאתִ֔י/ךָ | veshishetikha | HC/Vpq1cs/Sp2ms |
and drive you on | and I annihilated you |