שָׁאַל
To inquire ; by implication, to request ; by extension, to demand
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does שָׁאַל (šāʾal) mean in the Bible?
שָׁאַל (šāʾal) is a Hebrew word meaning "to inquire ; by implication, to request ; by extension, to demand". to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand BDB: ask Usage: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, × earnestly, enquire, greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, salute, × straitly, × surely, wish.
Meaning
Ranges from seeking information or counsel to requesting favor to demanding payment or obligation—fundamentally about voicing need.
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand BDB: ask Usage: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, × earnestly, enquire, greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, salute, × straitly, × surely, wish.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 76×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 5×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 1×
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.