The Old Testament (OT) has been interpreted in various ways, presenting a unique understanding of the meaning behind each verse and passage. Accordingly, the word שׁען (sha’an) is used 22 times in the OT and has a dissimilar significance in most of the verses. To comprehend the importance of sha’an, one should consider both how it is translated and what intention it has in NAS (New American Standard), KJS (King James Bible), and INT (New International Version). The connotation of sha’an can be perceived as describing a movement or expressing belief, or having another implication and is employed unusually in Judges 16:26.
In several English interpretations of Genesis 18:4, the word sha’an is rephrased as “rest.” The context of the verse is that Abraham is visited by three men, among whom is Lord, and Abraham rushes to offer the guests to wash their feet and relax while he brings them bread. Abraham’s attitude shows his hospitality towards the strangers, and sha’an here represents Abraham’s readiness to assist the visitors and make them feel comfortable.
In Numbers 21:15, sha’an is translated as “lean” in NAS and INT and as “lieth” in KJV. The chapter describes the journey of the children of Israel, and the fifteenth verse illustrates their location as the Israelites travel through the Arnon wilderness. Accordingly, the word sha’an here is utilized to explain that the stream of the brooks that leads to the dwelling of Ar lies along the border of Moab.
In three interpretations of 2 Samuel 1:6, sha’an is used as “lean,” but unlike in the above-discussed verse, it refers to one’s stance rather than location. The chapter’s context is of how a man who escaped from the camp of Israel tells David that he killed Saul as the latter asked while leaning on his spear, trying not to fall. Here, sha’an is employed to describe a person’s attempt to stand.
In 2 Kings 5:18, sha’an is utilized as “lean” and illustrates a body movement. The chapter explains how Naaman, an army commander with leprosy from Syria, goes to Israel to be cured of his disease and meets Elisha, a man of God. At first, Naaman is angry with Elisha’s advice, but once his flesh gets better, Naaman pledges his loyalty to God in Israel. However, the soldier asks Elisha for pardon because when Naaman returns home, his master will lean on Naaman’s hand, and the two will bow in the house of Rimmon. Accordingly, the word sha’an describes a gesture but can also be associated with obedience and forgiveness.
In both 2 Kings 7:2 and 2 Kings 7:17, sha’an is translated as “lean” and is used to depict a stance. The chapter concerns Elisha’s prediction and interactions with the king of Israel. In the former verse, sha’an is used to show how the king of Israel relies on the hand of one of his lords who questions Elisha’s prophecy. In the latter verse, sha’an is employed to explain that the king appointed the same lord on whose hand the ruler leaned to be in charge of the city gate. Consequently, while the two instances do not give a particularly special meaning to sha’an, it is utilized first in the context of disbelief and then in an atmosphere of faith.
2 Chronicles 13:18, sha’an is interpreted as “trust” in NAS and INT and as “rely upon” in KJV. The verse is within the chapter that illustrates the conflict between Abijah, monarch of Judah, and Jeroboam, ruler of Israel. Abijah addresses the Israelites and condemns them for having forsaken the Lord. Nonetheless, the Israel troops do not listen to Abijah and attack their opponents, but the sons of Judah prevail because they rely upon and trust their God. Accordingly, sha’an has distinct translations but reflects a sense of belief.
Similar to the above-discussed verse, NAS and INT translate sha’an as “trust” in 2 Chronicles 14:11, whereas KJV uses “rest.” The chapter tells about the reign of Abijah’s son Asa and his accomplishments provided by the Lord. When Asa is confronted by Zerah the Ethiopian, Asa begs God for help because the people rest on and trust their Lord in the face of danger. As God aids Asa and his army, the word sha’an here is utilized to resemble faith.
Sha’an is employed several times throughout 2 Chronicles 16 and is interpreted as “rely on” and “lean on.” The context of the chapter is the conflict between Asa and Benhadad, king of Syria, against Baasha, monarch of Israel. In Chronicles 16:7, Asa is criticized for asking for the assistance of another human being rather than putting trust in God. In Chronicles 16:8, Asa is reminded that his previous triumphs were because he confided in the Lord. Consequently, all sha’an’s translations are used to suggest that one must believe in God before anything or anyone else.
In Job 8:15, sha’an is interpreted as “trust” by NAS and INT and as “lean on” by KJV. The verse is within the speech of Bildad the Shuhite, who talks about the importance of believing in God and what happens to those who forget about the Lord. Here, sha’an is used to explain that those without faith in God cannot rely on anything and will not succeed. Similarly, Job 24:23 utilizes sha’an to demonstrate how the Lord treats people who act wrong, although the word is translated as “support” and “rest.” The verse suggests that the Lord always has His eye upon everyone, including the mighty, who may feel secure but are never overlooked. While sha’an in Job 8:15 symbolizes the significance of godliness, in Job 24:23, the word implies that all are accountable in the face of the Lord.
Sha’an is phrased as “lean on” in Proverbs 3:5 in the context of preachment. The verse advises trusting in God wholeheartedly instead of relying on one’s own knowledge. Accordingly, sha’an here is used to show that the Lord’s will is more meaningful and comes with more blessings than an individual’s judgment about life. Furthermore, sha’an is employed in Isaiah 10:20 as “rely on” and “stay upon” in the context of describing God’s power. The chapter depicts what the Lord can do to those who angry Him, and the verse states that eventually, people will not confide in someone who strokes them down but will believe only in God.
In Isaiah 30:12 and Isaiah 31:1, sha’an is translated as “rely on” and “stay one.” The former verse is a part of the speech of the Holy One of Israel addressed to those who refuse the Lord’s instruction. Accordingly, sha’an here is utilized to represent a warning to people who turn to oppression and perverseness. Likewise, in Isaiah 31:1, sha’an is used to condemn those who rely on their horses but do not ask for God’s help. In both cases, sha’an represents preachment for individuals who do not consider the Lord.
The word sha’an is interpreted as “rely on” and “stay upon” in Isaiah 50:10. Here, sha’an is employed to suggest that those who walk in the dark and have no light must continue their journey with belief in God. Consequently, the purpose of sha’an in the verse is to symbolize that people who depend on the Lord should not be afraid because He will not abandon them.
In Ezekiel 29:7, sha’an is translated as “lean” and is used to accuse and warn. The chapter’s context is a prophecy to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who has wronged people and angered God. The word sha’an here is utilized to depict Pharaoh’s deficiency by stating that when people relied upon him, he broke and harmed others. Accordingly, the verse implies that trusting in anyone except the Lord is faulty.
Sha’an is phrased as “lean on” and “lean upon” and employed within the context of preachment. The verse proposes that leaders who judge for reward, priests who teach for a price, and prophets who tell fortunes for money are all likely to rely on God if they feel endangered. Accordingly, the word sha’an is used to resemble insincerity and suggest that some people may intentionally turn to the Lord and ask for aid when they do not deserve forgiveness.
Finally, in Judges 16:26, sha’an is interpreted as “lean”, and the context is that of when Samson is captured by the Philistines and forced to entertain a crowd. In the verse, Samson asks a servant to help him lean against the pillars of a temple. While the word sha’an is utilized to describe a body movement for Samson to stay on his feet, Samson begins to pray in the position, thus associating sha’an with asking for God’s support. In comparison, the “lean” is different from those in Numbers 21:15, which describes a location, or in 2 Samuel 1:6, 2 Kings 5:18, and 2 Kings 7:2, which illustrate a stance but without divine significance. Moreover, in 2 Chronicles 16, Job 8:15, or Ezekiel 29:7, the “lean” resembles disapproval, whereas, in Judges 16:26, the connotation of sha’an represents devotion to the Lord.