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H7811 · Hebrew · Old Testament
שָׂחָה
sāchāh
Verb
To Swim

Definition

Sāchāh (שָׂחָה) means to swim — to move through water. Rare in the Hebrew Bible, used in a striking metaphor of helplessness.

Usage & Theological Significance

Isaiah 25:11: 'They will spread out their hands as a swimmer spreads hands to swim. God will bring down their pride.' The context is judgment on Moab — the proud nation flailing helplessly. Pride makes us think we can swim any depth; God reminds us He controls the waters. Ezekiel 47:5 uses a related image: the river from the temple deepens until it becomes 'deep enough to swim in' — representing the ever-increasing flow of God's life-giving grace.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 25:11 They will spread out their hands as a swimmer spreads hands to swim. God will bring down their pride.
Ezekiel 47:5 The water had risen and was deep enough to swim in — a river no one could cross.
Psalm 69:1-2 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths.

Related Words

External Resources

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