Lexical Summary shayit: Thorns, briers Original Word: שַׁיִט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oar, scourge From shuwt; an oar; also (compare showt) a scourge (figuratively) -- oar, scourge. see HEBREW shuwt see HEBREW showt NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shut Definition a rowing NASB Translation oars (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁ֫יִט noun [masculine] rowing (as whipping, lashing the water); — only ׳אֳנִישֿׁ Isaiah 33:21 rowing vessel; — Isaiah 28:15 Kt see שׁוֺט. above [שׁוּט] verb denominative row; — Participle plural שָׁטִים rowers Ezekiel 27:8; Ezekiel 27:26 (of Tyre as ship). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew term שַׁיִט appears only twice, both times in the prophecy of Isaiah. Though rare, its strategic placement frames a vivid contrast between misplaced human confidence and the unrivaled security the covenant-keeping LORD provides. Occurrences in Isaiah 1. Isaiah 28:15 presents Judah’s leaders boasting that an “overwhelming scourge” will not reach them. Their misplaced assurance is rooted in political scheming and deceit, not in repentance or reliance on their God. The verse reads, “Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death… when the overwhelming scourge passes through, it will not touch us…’”. Here שַׁיִט is bound up with the picture of a sweeping instrument of judgment—an unstoppable force that will expose their false refuge. Prophetic Contrast • In Isaiah 28 the word is linked to judgment that overwhelms self-made defenses. Historical and Cultural Background Eighth-century Judah faced the looming power of Assyria and the temptation to seek deliverance through diplomacy with Egypt and other naval powers. Oared galleys—sleek, fast, and well armed—were a tangible emblem of foreign might. Isaiah declares that such armaments, impressive as they are, cannot dictate Judah’s destiny. Political bargains (“covenant with death”) and military technology (“galley with oars”) alike crumble when weighed against the purposes of the LORD of hosts. Theological Significance 1. Sovereignty of God: The same word that describes the instrument of judgment (28:15) also highlights the impotence of human force before God’s reign (33:21). Practical Ministry Applications • Leaders and congregations must weigh whether their confidence rests on strategy, charisma, or resources rather than on the character and promises of God. Conclusion Though שַׁיִט surfaces only twice, it threads a thematic line through Isaiah: every human scheme that rows against God’s decree will be swept away, while those who rest in His kingship dwell in unassailable peace. The word thereby invites the church to abandon false refuges and rejoice in the sovereign grace that secures her future. Forms and Transliterations שַׁ֔יִט שֹׁ֣וט שוט שיט ša·yiṭ šayiṭ Shayit Shot šō·wṭ šōwṭLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 28:15 HEB: [שִׁיט כ] (שֹׁ֣וט ק) שׁוֹטֵ֤ף INT: have made A pact oar scourge when Isaiah 33:21 2 Occurrences |
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