שָׁגַג
sha.gag (H7683)
to go astray
AI Word Study
# Analytical Synthesis of שָׁגַג (shagag) The Hebrew verb שָׁגַג carries the fundamental meaning "to go astray," describing a physical or metaphorical deviation from an intended path or course. With only four occurrences in the biblical text, this word represents a relatively rare term in Hebrew vocabulary, suggesting it was employed for specific communicative purposes rather than as a standard or everyday expression for missing a mark or wandering. The rarity of this term—appearing just four times across the entire biblical corpus—indicates that when Hebrew writers chose this particular word, they likely selected it to convey something distinct from more common alternatives. The meaning "to go astray" encompasses both literal wandering and abstract notions of deviation, making it suitable for describing physical loss of direction as well as moral or spiritual deviation. However, without access to the specific passages where these four occurrences appear, the precise contexts and nuanced applications cannot be determined from the lexical data alone. This word's limited frequency contrasts with other Hebrew verbs expressing similar concepts, suggesting that biblical authors had preferred vocabulary for most situations involving straying or going astray. The existence of שָׁגַג in the language indicates a specialized semantic space, though its exact role within the broader semantic field of deviation and error remains constrained by the evidence of only four biblical uses.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
He shall bring a ram without defect from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning the thing in which he sinned and didn’t know it, and he will be forgiven.
The priest shall make atonement for the soul who errs when he sins unwittingly before Yahweh. He shall make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.
With him is strength and wisdom. The deceived and the deceiver are his.
Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.