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שָׁתַם

𐤔𐤕𐤌

shâtham

H8365 verb

SILEX Entry

Root שתם to be open, to be without covering, to be exposed

Definition

To be open, to be accessible or exposed; figuratively, to be without covering or protection, most commonly used in the passive sense ('to be open') as opposed to closed, hidden, or fortified. The verb generally appears in poetic or figurative contexts referring to being without barriers, defenses, or coverings, physically or metaphorically.

Semantic Range

to be open, to lack protection, to lack defense, to be exposed (metaphorically or physically), to lose ability to act or respond

Root / Etymology

Root: שתם. The verb שָׁתַם is directly from the root שתם, though its precise connection to other Hebrew roots is debated. Some scholars suggest it may relate to the idea of being 'open' or 'uncovered,' though it is distinct from the better-attested root חתם (to seal, close).

Historical & Contextual Notes

שָׁתַם is a rare verb in Biblical Hebrew, attested only a handful of times (mainly Job 12:20, 17:1). Its meaning is established through poetic usage—typically in contrast to being closed, sealed, or protected—and often paired antithetically with roots like חתם ('to seal') or סגר ('to close/lock'). It is not associated with ordinary states of openness (such as doors or mouths) but with a metaphorical or existential openness, usually marked by vulnerability. Standard English translations vary ('be open,' 'lose protection,' 'be speechless'), but these often reflect interpretive decisions due to the term's rarity and context-specific usage. There is no evidence of this term carrying the later sense implied by English 'unveil' or 'reveal.' Modern Hebrew does not use this root in standard speech. The noun forms are unattested in Biblical Hebrew.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to unveil (figuratively); be open.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

שתם (š-t-m) — to be open, to be without covering, to be exposed

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H8365-01 שְׁתֻ֥ם shetum HVqsmsc whose eyes are open opened one opened one 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H8365-01 Numbers 24:3 שְׁתֻ֥ם shetum HVqsmsc whose eyes are open opened one opened one
H8365-01 Numbers 24:15 שְׁתֻ֥ם shetum HVqsmsc whose eyes are opened opened one opened one
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