Lexical Summary shagach: To forget, to neglect Original Word: שְׁגַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance look narrowly A primitive root; to peep, i.e. Glance sharply at -- look (narrowly). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to gaze NASB Translation gaze (1), looking (1), looks (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׁגַח] verb Hiph`il gaze (Late Hebrew id., Ecclus 40:29; Ecclus 50:5; late Rabb הַשְׁגָּחָה = providence (from Psalm 33:14; Jewish-Aramaic שְׁגַח gaze, consider); — with אֶלֿ person; Perfect3masculine singular הִשְׁגִּיחַ Psalm 33:14 (of ׳י; מִן local); Imperfect3masculine plural רֹאֶיךָ אֵלֶיךָ יַשְׁגִּיחוּ Isaiah 14:16 they that see thee, at thee shall they gaze ("" אֵלָיךָ יִתְבּוֺנָ֫נוּ; compare משגיח על שלחן Ecclus 40:29); absolute: Participle מַשְׁגִּיחַ Songs 2:9 (with מִן from (the outside of) the windows). Topical Lexicon Semantic Range שְׁגַח conveys deliberate, concentrated looking. It is more than a passing glance; it is a fixed, purposeful scrutiny that attends closely to what is observed. The verb can describe either benevolent oversight or astonished inspection, depending on the context. Occurrences and Contexts Psalm 33:14 presents the LORD gazing from His heavenly dwelling upon all inhabitants of the earth; Song of Solomon 2:9 depicts the beloved peering in affection through the window; Isaiah 14:16 describes onlookers staring in shocked appraisal at the fallen king of Babylon. Together these passages display the breadth of the concept—divine surveillance, intimate watchfulness, and incredulous human observation. Divine Oversight and Sovereignty (Psalm 33:14) “From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth.” The term underscores God’s comprehensive knowledge of human affairs. Nothing escapes His notice (Hebrews 4:13). Psalm 33 sandwiches this verb between affirmations of the LORD’s creative power (Psalm 33:6-9) and His frustration of national plans (Psalm 33:10-11), teaching that His vision is inseparable from His rule. The congregation finds comfort that the One who “forms the hearts of all” also “considers all their works” (Psalm 33:15), assuring both accountability and protection. Lover’s Watchfulness (Song of Solomon 2:9) “Look, there He stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows…” The covenant-love analogy employs שְׁגַח to highlight yearning attentiveness. The beloved’s posture illustrates the LORD’s pursuit of His people: near, watchful, desirous of communion, yet respecting the boundary until invited in (Revelation 3:20). The verse encourages believers to recognize that divine oversight is not merely governmental but relational. Astonishment at Judgment (Isaiah 14:16) “Those who see you will stare; they will ponder your fate…” Having witnessed Babylon’s arrogance, observers are now transfixed by its downfall. The same verb that earlier described God’s active supervision now exposes human impotence; they can only gaze and reflect. Isaiah’s usage warns that earthly power, no matter how dazzling, finally comes under the Lord’s penetrating look (Isaiah 14:22-23; Daniel 4:34-35). Historical and Cultural Notes In ancient Near Eastern courts, watchful attendance signified both vigilance and allegiance. Palace guards “kept their eyes” on gates; lovers signaled devotion through stealthy glances. Scripture adapts this cultural imagery to convey theological truths: the King of heaven never abdicates His watch, and covenant love persists even behind walls erected by human sin. Practical Ministry Implications • Assurance. God’s people may rest because the Shepherd’s eye is always upon them (Psalm 32:8). Christological Perspective In the Gospels the Lord Jesus “knew what was in a man” (John 2:25). His penetrating look (Mark 10:21) continues post-ascension: “I know your works” (Revelation 2:2). The Hebrew idea behind שְׁגַח thus anticipates the omniscient Messiah who both shepherds and judges. Summary שְׁגַח threads through Scripture as a reminder that every sphere of life lies under an unblinking, purposeful gaze—sometimes comforting, sometimes confronting, always righteous. Recognizing this reality fuels humble obedience, confident hope, and fervent love. Forms and Transliterations הִשְׁגִּ֑יחַ השגיח יַשְׁגִּ֔יחוּ ישגיחו מַשְׁגִּ֙יחַ֙ משגיח hiš·gî·aḥ hišgîaḥ hishGiach maš·gî·aḥ mašgîaḥ mashGiach yaš·gî·ḥū yašgîḥū yashGichuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 33:14 HEB: מִֽמְּכוֹן־ שִׁבְתּ֥וֹ הִשְׁגִּ֑יחַ אֶ֖ל כָּל־ NAS: place He looks out On all KJV: of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants INT: place his dwelling looks on all Songs 2:9 Isaiah 14:16 3 Occurrences |
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