Lexical Summary shathath: To set, to place, to appoint Original Word: שָׁתַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be laid, set A primitive root; to place, i.e. Array; reflex. To lie -- be laid, set. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to set, appoint NASB Translation appointed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׁתַת] verb set, appoint (poetry) ("" form of שׁית Ges§ 67ee); — Qal Perfect3plural כַּצּאֹן לִשְׁאוֺל שַׁתּוּ Psalm 49:15 they have been appointed (literally they have appointed them, indefinite subject) like a flock for Sh®°ôl, but Gr reads שָׁ֫חוּ (שׁוח), Bae3יֵחַתּוּ (נחת); שַׁתּוּ בַשָּׁמַים מִּיהֶם Psalm 73:9 ("" וּלְשׁוֺנָם תִּהֲלַח בָּאָרֶץ) Topical Lexicon Root Concept of Deliberate Placementשָׁתַת expresses the idea of placing, stationing, or fixing something in a particular position. Although it can carry the neutral sense of establishing a foundation, the two canonical occurrences use the verb to reveal a willful, morally charged positioning—either of people in relation to death (Psalm 49) or of speech in defiance of God (Psalm 73). Occurrences in Scripture Psalm 49:14 “Their sheep-like bodies are assigned to Sheol; Death will shepherd them…”. Here שָׁתַת depicts the wicked as deliberately “set” or “appointed” for the grave, highlighting both inevitability and self-inflicted destiny. Psalm 73:9 “They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut through the earth.”. The proud “set” their mouths—an intentional, aggressive orientation of speech aimed at heaven itself, portraying rebellion in word and attitude. Moral and Theological Emphasis 1. Human Choice and Consequence. Both psalms stress that the wicked actively position themselves—first by arrogant speech, then by actions that end in certain judgment. The verb sharpens responsibility: no one drifts into condemnation; they take a stance. 2. Divine Justice. In Psalm 49 the same deliberate placement is met by an equally deliberate divine response: “the upright shall rule over them in the morning.” God counters human self-placement with His own, vindicating the righteous. 3. Speech as Spiritual Orientation. Psalm 73 moves from inner pride (73:6–8) to outward expression (73:9). What is “set” in the mouth ultimately determines destiny, anticipating Christ’s teaching that words reveal the heart (Matthew 12:34-37). Contrasting Destinies The verb anchors a literary contrast in both psalms: • Wicked: self-appointed to death, decay, and distance from God. Thus שָׁתַת underscores the certainty of two diverging pathways, echoing themes in Proverbs 14:12 and John 5:29. Pastoral and Homiletic Applications 1. Guarding the Tongue. Psalm 73:9 invites exhortation on sanctified speech (Ephesians 4:29; James 1:26). Believers are urged to “set” their mouths to praise (Psalm 34:1) rather than defiance. 2. Evangelistic Warning. Psalm 49:14 provides a vivid image for teaching the unconverted: persistent rejection of God amounts to assigning oneself to Sheol. The gospel call is to change one’s eternal “placement” through repentance and faith (Acts 3:19). 3. Comfort for the Upright. Both psalms reassure the faithful that the Lord overrules every proud self-exaltation. The morning of resurrection belongs to those who trust Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Christological Perspective The wicked “set” themselves, but the Father “set” His Son as the cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6). All who believe are now “being built” on that foundation (Ephesians 2:20), reversing the self-destructive placement depicted in the psalms. Conclusion Though rare, שָׁתַת powerfully illustrates the biblical theme of deliberate positioning—either against God or under His lordship. The term therefore calls every reader to examine where and how life, words, and destiny are being “set.” Forms and Transliterations שַׁתּ֣וּ שַׁתּוּ֮ שתו šat·tū šattū shatTuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 49:14 HEB: כַּצֹּ֤אן ׀ לִֽשְׁא֣וֹל שַׁתּוּ֮ מָ֤וֶת יִ֫רְעֵ֥ם NAS: As sheep they are appointed for Sheol; KJV: Like sheep they are laid in the grave; INT: sheep Sheol are appointed Death shall be their shepherd Psalm 73:9 2 Occurrences |
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