The meaning of “שָׁאַל”
Understanding shâʼal reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or שָׁאֵל shâʼêl (shaw-ale'); a primitive root ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [...
שָׁאַל
or שָׁאֵל shâʼêl (shaw-ale'); a primitive root ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. - to inquire - by implication, to request - by extension, to demand 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 37:15 | “And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?” Word: שָׁאַל (shâʼal) | |
| Judges 13:6 | “Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:” Word: שָׁאַל (shâʼal) | |
| 1 Chronicles 14:10 | “And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.” Word: שָׁאַל (shâʼal) | |
| Psalms 78:18 | “And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.” Word: שָׁאַל (shâʼal) | |
| Lamentations 4:4 | “The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.” Word: שָׁאַל (shâʼal) |
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Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.