שָׁקָה

From the study of Isaiah 27:3

Range of meaning

In the causative form: to give a drink to (people, animals) or to water or irrigate land and plants.

Against the English

'Water' is accurate. The Hebrew is literally 'give her drink', which is more personal, as if tending a living thing.

Used elsewhere in the period

Genesis 2:6 and 2:10: mist and river 'watered' the ground and the garden. Genesis 29:2–10: watering flocks. Deuteronomy 11:10–11 contrasts Egypt, watered by human effort, with Canaan, which 'drinks water by the rain from heaven'.

From the study of Proverbs 25:21

Range of meaning

Almost always used in the causative form: 'give drink to', 'water'. It is used for people (Gen 24:14, 18; Judg 4:19), for flocks (Gen 29:7–10), and for the land (Gen 2:6). Giving water was the first act of hospitality to a traveller.

Against the English

'Give him water to drink' is accurate. The English simply adds 'to drink' to spell out what the single Hebrew verb already includes.

Used elsewhere in the period

Rebekah's test of hospitality in Gen 24 turns on this verb. Deut 23:4 (Heb 23:5) bars Ammonites and Moabites from the assembly because they did not meet Israel 'with bread and water' on the road. Refusing those two basics was treated as a serious offence.

From the study of Psalm 36:8

Range of meaning

In this causative form: to give someone something to drink, to water animals, fields or gardens. A host or servant pours drink for guests. Ground and flocks are watered.

Against the English

"You give them drink" (BSB/NIV/ESV) and "thou shalt make them drink" (KJV) are both accurate. KJV's "make" may sound like force to a modern ear, but it simply means "cause to".

Used elsewhere in the period

Genesis 2:6 and 2:10 (watering the ground and the garden), Genesis 24:14-19 (Rebekah giving drink to the servant and his camels, a classic act of hospitality), Psalm 104:11-13 (God waters the beasts and the hills).