שֶׁצֶף
𐤔𐤑𐤐
shetseph
H8241 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A momentary outburst, surge, or impulse—most commonly of wrath or anger. The term denotes an intense but brief or transitory episode, such as a flash of fury or a sudden overflowing. It is used specifically for short-lived expressions of strong emotion, particularly divine wrath.
Semantic Range
momentary surge, brief outburst (especially of wrath), sudden impulse, transient overflow, fleeting episode (of anger or wrath)
Root / Etymology
The term שֶׁצֶף is derived from the root שָׁטַף (to overflow, surge, inundate), with possible phonetic adaptation to echo or alliterate with קֶצֶף (wrath, rage). The form captures the nuance of a swift, forceful movement or outpouring, particularly of emotion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, שֶׁצֶף appears as a rare poetic term, occurring only in Isaiah 54:8, where it characterizes a fleeting episode of divine wrath—contrasted with enduring covenantal favor. The context points to the transitory nature of wrath rather than its intensity or destructiveness. The term does not generally denote physical outpouring (as 'flood') but rather metaphorical or emotional overflow. The translation 'moment' or 'brief outburst' better captures the Hebrew nuance than English terms like 'outburst,' which may lack the emphasis on brevity. Cognate usage in related Semitic languages likewise associates the root with swift and fleeting motion. Later tradition sometimes conflates שֶׁצֶף with other words for anger (e.g., קֶצֶף), but careful attention to its brief, surging quality distinguishes it.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁטַף (for alliteration with קֶצֶף); an outburst (of anger); little.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שטף (sh-ṭ-p) — overflow, surge, flood
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8241-01 |
בְּ/שֶׁ֣צֶף | beshetsef | HR/Ncmsc |
in an outburst | in a fleeting surge of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8241-01 |
Isaiah 54:8 | בְּ/שֶׁ֣צֶף | beshetsef | HR/Ncmsc |
in an outburst | in a fleeting surge of |