Lexical Summary shaah: To gaze, regard, look at, pay attention Original Word: שָׁאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wonder A primitive root (identical with sha'ah through the idea of whirling to giddiness); to stun, i.e. (intransitively) be astonished -- wonder. see HEBREW sha'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to gaze NASB Translation gazing (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [שָׁאָה] verb Hithpa`el gaze (apparently "" form of שָׁעָה, q. v.); — Participle masculine singular הָאִישׁ מִשְׁתָּאֵה לָהּ Genesis 24:21(J) the man was gazing at her (Ges§ 130a). [שָׁאט], שְׁאָט see II. שׁוּט. שְׁאִיָּה see I. שׁאה. above Topical Lexicon Root Concept Though שָׁאָה (Strong’s 7583) appears only once, its sense of silent, intent observation conveys an attitude of hushed expectancy. The word pictures a fixed gaze marked by wonder and careful discernment. Biblical Occurrence Genesis 24:21: “Meanwhile, the man watched her silently, to see whether the LORD had made his journey a success.” (Berean Standard Bible) Narrative Context Abraham’s servant, having petitioned the LORD for clear guidance, stands beside the well of Nahor. Rebekah has just offered extraordinary hospitality—drawing water for him and for ten camels. The servant now “watches” her, weighing whether her actions fulfill the sign he sought from God. His mute attention underscores a pivotal pause between prayer and confirmation, a moment ripe with providential suspense. Theological Significance 1. Dependence on Divine Initiative The servant’s silence reflects complete reliance upon the LORD’s answer, modeling a posture of prayerful patience that anticipates God’s intervention rather than rushing to human conclusions. 2. Discernment and Testing Scripture repeatedly exhorts believers to “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Here, testing occurs not through interrogation but through careful, Spirit-guided observation. 3. Providence in Ordinary Circumstances The well, daily chores, and hospitality are all everyday scenes. Yet God’s sovereign purpose unfolds precisely within such routine, reminding readers that His leading is often discerned in common tasks noticed by watchful faith. Historical and Cultural Background Drawing water was standard female labor in patriarchal societies. Wells served as communal gathering points and places of social interaction; they also symbolized life and blessing in arid regions. Hospitality toward strangers—offering both water and care for animals—was an honored virtue. Rebekah’s lavish service thus reveals both character and cultural propriety while advancing covenant history. Relation to Broader Biblical Motifs • Waiting silently before the LORD: Psalm 62:5 Although these passages employ different Hebrew verbs, they echo the stance embodied by שָׁאָה—quiet vigilance in faith. Christological and Redemptive Insights Many interpreters view Abraham’s servant as a picture of the Holy Spirit seeking a bride for the promised son, Isaac—a foreshadowing of Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:25-32). The servant’s silent gaze anticipates the Spirit’s work of discerning and preparing a spotless bride, affirming that the LORD alone orchestrates covenant unions. Ministry Application • Leaders: cultivate seasons of silent observation after petitioning God, resisting premature judgments. Devotional Reflection The lone use of שָׁאָה invites personal examen: Do I grant God room to reveal His answer before I speak or act? Like the servant at the well, may I fix my gaze upon providence, trusting that the LORD “acts on behalf of those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 64:4). Forms and Transliterations מִשְׁתָּאֵ֖ה משתאה miš·tā·’êh mishtaEh mištā’êhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 24:21 HEB: וְהָאִ֥ישׁ מִשְׁתָּאֵ֖ה לָ֑הּ מַחֲרִ֕ישׁ NAS: Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, KJV: And the man wondering at her held his peace, INT: the man was gazing silence to know 1 Occurrence |
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