Lexical Summary sheteph: Flood, Overflow, Torrent Original Word: שֶׁטֶף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flood, outrageous, overflowing Or sheteph {shay'-tef}; from shataph; a deluge (literally or figuratively) -- flood, outrageous, overflowing. see HEBREW shataph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shataph Definition a flood NASB Translation flood (5), outburst (1), overflowing (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֶׁ֫טֶף, שֶׁ֫צֶף noun masculineNahum 1:8 flood; — absolute שֶׁ֫טֶף Nahum 1:8 3t.; construct ׳שֶׁ Proverbs 27:4, ׳שֵׁ Psalm 32:6; — flood, figurative of ׳יs judgement, עֹבֵר ׳שׁ Nahum 1:8, compare Daniel 9:26, זְרֹעוֺת ׳הַשּׁ Daniel 11:22 (compare Dr); of calamity, מַיִם רַבִּים ׳שׁ Psalm 32:6; אָף ׳שׁ Proverbs 27:4 a flood of anger; so שֶׁצֶף קֶצֶף Isaiah 54:8 (צ for ט before following צ Ew Di; > Du Che Marti strike out ׳שׁ as dittograph); שֶׁטֶף literally of rainflood, Job 38:25. שׁטר (√ of following; Assyrian ša‰âru, write, Sabean סטר HomChr 124 DHMEp. Denkm. Arabic lii. 2, liv. 2; Arabic Topical Lexicon Overview The noun שֶׁטֶף pictures a sudden, irresistible rush—whether of literal water or any overwhelming force. Across its six appearances the term evokes power that exceeds human control, underscoring the Lord’s sovereign rule over nature, nations, passions, and judgment. Old Testament Usage 1. Job 38:25 – Yahweh asks, “Who cuts a channel for the flood…?”. Here שֶׁטֶף is a showcase of the Creator’s mastery; torrential waters move only where He directs. Themes of Divine Sovereignty שֶׁטֶף highlights the LORD’s unmatched authority. He not only unleashes torrents (Nahum 1:8) but also carves their channels (Job 38:25). Whether nature, empires, or emotions, every overwhelming surge remains under His command, fulfilling His purposes in judgment or protection. Metaphorical Intensification Proverbs 27:4 broadens the word’s scope to inner life; anger becomes a flood, warning that sin’s force can mirror natural catastrophe. In ministry settings this offers a vivid pastoral tool: unchecked passions will erode relationships as surely as waters erode land. Prophetic and Eschatological Overtones Daniel’s visions employ שֶׁטֶף to describe successive historical upheavals that prefigure end-time events. The flood-imagery anticipates final judgment scenes where rebellion is swept away, while the faithful remain secure—echoing Psalm 32:6. Practical Ministry Applications • Intercession: Psalm 32:6 encourages urgent prayer before crises swell beyond reach. Connection to New Testament Revelation The imagery foreshadows New Testament warnings about a “flood of dissipation” (1 Peter 4:4) and the house that falls when “the floods came” (Matthew 7:25). In Christ, believers gain the firm foundation that withstands every שֶׁטֶף, fulfilling the protective promise glimpsed in Psalm 32:6. Conclusion שֶׁטֶף calls readers to revere God’s might, heed His warnings, and rest in His shelter. Whether the deluge is water, war, or wrath, the Lord stands sovereign above the torrent, faithful to judge evil and preserve those who trust in Him. Forms and Transliterations בַשֶּׁ֔טֶף בשטף הַשֶּׁ֛טֶף השטף וְשֶׁ֣טֶף וּבְשֶׁ֣טֶף ובשטף ושטף לְ֭שֵׁטֶף לַשֶּׁ֣טֶף לשטף ḇaš·še·ṭep̄ ḇaššeṭep̄ haš·še·ṭep̄ hashShetef haššeṭep̄ laš·še·ṭep̄ lashShetef laššeṭep̄ lə·šê·ṭep̄ ləšêṭep̄ Leshetef ū·ḇə·še·ṭep̄ ūḇəšeṭep̄ uveShetef vashShetef veShetef wə·še·ṭep̄ wəšeṭep̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 38:25 HEB: מִֽי־ פִלַּ֣ג לַשֶּׁ֣טֶף תְּעָלָ֑ה וְ֝דֶ֗רֶךְ NAS: a channel for the flood, Or a way KJV: a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way INT: Who has cleft the flood A channel A way Psalm 32:6 Proverbs 27:4 Daniel 9:26 Daniel 11:22 Nahum 1:8 6 Occurrences |
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rule (a book), write, 
row, line; Aramaic שְׁטָרָא, 
document, so HilprBabylonian Exp. x.8 CISii.67, Nabataean, Palmyrene שטר Lzb374:00:00 HomNKZ i.69 all from Assyrian).