Lexical Summary shachepheth: Consumption, wasting disease Original Word: שַׁחֶפֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consumption From the same as shachaph; emaciation -- consumption. see HEBREW shachaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as shachaph Definition (a wasting disease) consumption NASB Translation consumption (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁחֶ֫פֶת noun feminine wasting disease, consumption Deuteronomy 28:22; Leviticus 26:16 (H). שׁחץ (√ of following; compare Late Hebrew act proudly, and derivatives; Aramaic שַׁחְצָא lion ( Psalm 17:12 editions); Ethiopic Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope שַׁחֶפֶת designates a wasting or consumptive illness that gradually drains life and strength. English translations render it “consumption,” “wasting disease,” or “tuberculosis,” capturing the idea of a slow, relentless deterioration of the body. Biblical Occurrences 1. Leviticus 26:16 – As part of the covenant warnings, the LORD threatens: “I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will consume your eyes and drain your life”. Covenantal Context Both passages appear in extensive covenant documents (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28) that balance promised blessings for obedience with curses for rebellion. שַׁחֶפֶת epitomizes the physical consequences of covenant infidelity: just as sin eats away at spiritual vitality, this disease gnaws at physical life. The threat underscores God’s sovereign governance over health (Exodus 15:26) and His right to employ sickness as disciplinary judgment when His people harden their hearts. Historical and Medical Background In the ancient Near East, long-term pulmonary ailments—characterized by chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats—were common and often fatal. Archaeological studies of mummified remains from Egypt and skeletons from Israel’s Iron Age display lesions typical of tuberculosis. The dread of such diseases was heightened by the absence of effective treatment and by the social stigma attached to visible, lingering sickness. Theological Themes 1. Divine Holiness and Justice – Shachepheth serves as a tangible testimony that God’s holiness reacts to sustained covenant breach (Isaiah 3:17; Amos 4:10). Prophetic and Typological Implications Prophets later echo the covenant curses to call Israel back (Jeremiah 24:10; Ezekiel 5:12). In typology, physical consumption prefigures the deeper, unseen erosion of sin, pointing to the need for a Suffering Servant who would bear infirmities (Isaiah 53:4) and inaugurate new-covenant healing (Matthew 8:16-17). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Warning: Faith communities must not minimize the seriousness with which God regards persistent disobedience (Hebrews 10:26-31). Related Biblical Concepts – Other covenant illnesses: “fever,” “inflammation,” “blight,” “mildew” (Deuteronomy 28:22). – Divine protection for the obedient: Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 7:15; Psalm 91:3-7. – Covenant renewal through repentance: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Hosea 6:1-3. Conclusion שַׁחֶפֶת stands as a sobering emblem of covenant breach—an outward wasting that reflects inward rebellion. Yet within its grim shadow shines the hope of restoration for those who return to the LORD, and the assurance that in Christ the ultimate wasting of sin is conquered. Forms and Transliterations בַּשַּׁחֶ֨פֶת בשחפת הַשַּׁחֶ֣פֶת השחפת baš·ša·ḥe·p̄eṯ bashshaChefet baššaḥep̄eṯ haš·ša·ḥe·p̄eṯ hashshaChefet haššaḥep̄eṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 26:16 HEB: בֶּֽהָלָה֙ אֶת־ הַשַּׁחֶ֣פֶת וְאֶת־ הַקַּדַּ֔חַת NAS: you a sudden terror, consumption and fever KJV: over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, INT: over A sudden consumption and fever will waste Deuteronomy 28:22 2 Occurrences |
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be insolent; Arabic 
is rise, be elevated; 
bulky, man of rank, but 
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