שָׁכַן
To reside or permanently stay (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.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does שָׁכַן (šākan) mean in the Bible?
שָׁכַן (šākan) is a Hebrew word meaning "to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)". to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively) BDB: settle down Usage: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up).
Meaning
Dwelling that establishes presence; God's šākan signifies covenantal residence, not mere temporary occupation.
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively) BDB: settle down Usage: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up).
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 70×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 2×
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 2×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Showing 8 of 129 occurrences in the biblical text.
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.