Lexical Summary shayin or shen: Tooth Original Word: שַׁיִן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance piss From an unused root meaning to urinate; urine -- piss. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition urine NASB Translation urine (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שַׁ֫יִן, שֵׁין] noun [masculine] urine; — plural suffix שֵׁינֵיהֶם 2 Kings 18:27 = Isaiah 36:12 (both Kt; Qr מֵימֵי רַגְלֵיהֶם). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The term designates human urine, a bodily waste product. In Scripture it appears only in the context of extreme humiliation and deprivation. Occurrences in the Old Testament • 2 Kings 18:27 Both instances record the same event: the speech of Rabshakeh, emissary of King Sennacherib of Assyria, during the siege of Jerusalem in the days of King Hezekiah. Historical Setting When the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem (circa 701 BC), Rabshakeh attempted psychological warfare. His taunt foretold that the citizens would “eat their own dung and drink their own urine” if they trusted Hezekiah’s resistance instead of surrendering (2 Kings 18:27). Such language, shocking to every hearer, underscored the desperation typical of siege conditions (compare Deuteronomy 28:53–57; Lamentations 4:10). Assyria’s intent was to break morale by painting a vivid picture of starvation and disgrace. Symbolism of Human Waste in Scripture 1. Uncleanness: Bodily excretions rendered ceremonial impurity (Deuteronomy 23:12–14). Drinking one’s own fluid therefore implied total defilement. Siege Warfare Background Ancient armies routinely cut water supplies, contaminating wells and forcing inhabitants to recycle waste fluids. Archaeological evidence from Lachish and other Judean sites confirms that starvation and thirst were standard siege tactics. Rabshakeh’s words exploited this reality to instill terror. Theological Reflections • God’s covenant faithfulness: Despite Assyria’s threats, the Lord defended Jerusalem for His name’s sake (2 Kings 19:34). Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Care under Pressure: Believers facing taunts or dire predictions can find comfort in the narrative—God hears and intervenes. Related Topics for Further Study • Siege narratives: 2 Kings 6:24–29; Jeremiah 19:9. Conclusion Though seemingly minor, the term encapsulates themes of uncleanness, judgment, and deliverance. Its sparse but strategic use in Scripture heightens the contrast between human contempt and God’s saving power. Forms and Transliterations רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם רגליהם raḡ·lê·hem raḡlêhem ragleiHemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 18:27 HEB: (מֵֽימֵי ק) (רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם ק) עִמָּכֶֽם׃ NAS: and drink their own urine with you? INT: doves' dung and drink waste with Isaiah 36:12 2 Occurrences |
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