What does רָעַע · שָׁחַת mean in the Bible?
".
Hebrew · H7489, H7843
רָעַע / שָׁחַת
Properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be ) good for nothing , i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally) · to decay , i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
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.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
רָעַע H7489 properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be ) good for nothing , i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally)
Pronunciation rāʿaʿ
To damage or spoil through breaking; harm escalates from physical destruction to moral/social corruption.
Open lexicon entry →
שָׁחַת H7843 to decay , i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
Pronunciation shachat
Destruction through decay or corruption; often describes moral/spiritual ruin, not merely physical damage.
Open lexicon entry →
What does רָעַע / שָׁחַת (rāʿaʿ / shāḥaṯ) mean in the Bible?
רָעַע · שָׁחַת is a Hebrew phrase meaning "to harm, destroy, corrupt.".
Full entry for רָעַע / שָׁחַת (H7489, H7843) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for H7489, H7843?
H7489, H7843 is connected to 249 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Hebrew phrase. to harm, destroy, corrupt.
Source Gloss
to harm, destroy, corrupt.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups 4 Aligned forms 63
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 48×
Perfect 2Kgs 21:11 · Exod 5:23 · Ps 74:3 · Ruth 1:21 · 1Chr 21:17 · Mic 4:6 · Num 16:15 · 1Kgs 17:20 · Exod 5:22 · Num 11:11 · Gen 43:6 · Gen 44:5 · Jer 16:12 · Jer 7:26 · Jer 38:9 · Mic 3:4 16×
Participle active Isa 1:4 · Isa 14:20 · Isa 31:2 · Jer 20:13 · Jer 23:14 · Job 8:20 · Prov 17:4 · Ps 22:17 · Ps 26:5 · Ps 27:2 · Ps 37:9 · Ps 64:3 · Ps 92:12 · Ps 94:16 · Ps 119:115 15×
Imperfect Isa 11:9 · Isa 65:25 · Jer 10:5 · Prov 4:16 · 1Sam 12:25 · Gen 19:7 · 1Sam 26:21 · Jer 25:6 · Gen 19:9 · Ps 44:3 · Zeph 1:12 11×
Jussive 1Chr 16:22 · Judg 19:23 · Ps 105:15 3×
Infinitive absolute 1Sam 12:25 · Isa 1:16 2×
Infinitive construct Jer 13:23 1×
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 11×
Imperfect Deut 15:10 · Job 34:24 · Deut 28:54 · Deut 28:56 · Neh 2:3 5×
Jussive 2Sam 11:25 · Gen 21:12 2×
Perfect Jer 40:4 · Num 22:34 2×
Sequential imperfect Isa 8:9 1×
Infinitive absolute Isa 24:19 1×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 2×
Imperfect Prov 11:15 · Prov 13:20 2×
Hithpolel 1×
Perfect Isa 24:19 1×
Word Origins
רָעַע / שָׁחַת is a primitive root - no further derivation.
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain