שָׂקַד
𐤔𐤒𐤃
sâqad
H8244 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To fasten or bind securely, often by means of tying or enclosing. In the few attested instances, refers to the action of binding something together firmly, with an emphasis on a secure and intentional fastening.
Semantic Range
to fasten, to bind, to stick together, to be bound or stuck together (of physical objects or materials)
Root / Etymology
Root: שקד. Verb form שָׂקַד is directly derived from this root, reflecting the core semantic field of securing or binding. The root itself is not widely attested outside this verb, and appears to be distinct from the more common homographic root שָקַד (to watch, be vigilant). Etymology uncertain due to the rarity and ambiguity of its usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שָׂקַד is an exceedingly rare verb in Biblical Hebrew, appearing only in Job 38:38, where it is traditionally understood to mean 'to stick together' or 'be fastened' in reference to clods of earth. Due to its limited attestation, its semantic range is reconstructed largely from context and comparison to related Semitic roots. The word is unrelated to the much more frequent root שקד (to watch, be wakeful), despite the identical consonants in unpointed text. Later Hebrew and translation traditions differ on the precise sense, but in context, the verb denotes the action of securely fastening or binding, typically by natural forces rather than human agency. Standard English translations use terms such as 'stick together,' 'fasten,' or 'hardened,' each capturing only part of the nuance. There are no significant shifts or developments in meaning apparent due to the extreme rarity of the term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to fasten; bind.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שקד (s-q-d) — to fasten, to bind securely
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H8245 | שָׁקַד | he will keep watch |
| H8246 | שָׁקַד | vigilantly watched ones |
| H8247 | שָׁקֵד | almonds |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8244-01 |
נִשְׂקַד֩ | niseqad | HVNp3ms |
is watched | was securely fastened | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8244-01 |
Lamentations 1:14 | נִשְׂקַד֩ | niseqad | HVNp3ms |
is watched | was securely fastened |