שַׁיִט
𐤔𐤉𐤈
shayiṭ
H7885 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A stick or implement used for rowing (an oar), or for whipping/flogging (a scourge or whip), depending on context. In its literal sense, the word refers to a physical object shaped for striking or propelling, specifically an oar (long pole for rowing a boat) or a rod for striking. Figuratively, it can refer to an instrument of punishment or oppression.
Semantic Range
oar (implement for rowing), scourge (whip for punishment), rod for striking, instrument of oppression (figurative)
Root / Etymology
Root is שוט (ש-ו-ט), meaning 'to go to and fro, roam, whip, scourge.' שַׁיִט (shayiṭ) is likely derived from this root either as an implement for movement (an oar, to propel) or for striking (a scourge or whip). Cognate with שׁוֹט (shoṭ), also meaning 'whip.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
שַׁיִט occurs very rarely in the Hebrew Bible (notably in Ezekiel 29:6 and possibly in a different form elsewhere). The same root is used elsewhere for both implements of movement (oar) and punishment (whip or scourge), illustrating the development from a general sense of 'driving' or 'propelling,' whether of a boat or of people/animals. Ancient translations (Septuagint, Vulgate) reflect the ambiguity, sometimes translating as 'scourge' or 'rod,' sometimes as 'oar.' English versions often interpret contextually. In the historical Israelite context, the word could refer to both oars for river craft and the implements used for discipline or coercion. Later periods continued the dual sense in translation, though distinctions became sharper (oar vs. whip). Context determines which sense is meant; the metaphorical use (for oppression) emerges particularly in prophetic and poetic literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שׁוּט; also compare שׁוֹט; an oar; a scourge (figuratively); oar, scourge.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שוט (sh-w-ṭ) — to go to and fro, to whip, to drive, to propel
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4880 | מָשׁוֹט | oar |
| H7750 | שׂוּט | rovers |
| H7751 | שׁוּט | the roaming ones |
| H7752 | שׁוֹט | with the whips |
| H7846 | שֵׂט | turn-asiders |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7885-01 |
שַׁ֔יִט | shayit | HNcmsa |
with-oars | driving rod | 1 |
H7885-02 |
שיט | shyt | HNcmsa |
scourge | driving rod | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7885-02 |
Isaiah 28:15 | שיט | shyt | HNcmsa |
scourge | driving rod |
H7885-01 |
Isaiah 33:21 | שַׁ֔יִט | shayit | HNcmsa |
with-oars | driving rod |