סָבָא (sa.va)
sa.va
to imbibe; be drunk
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sava describes the act of drinking heavily or largely, often implying excess. It appears in four verses across Scripture, primarily in Proverbs, Isaiah, and Deuteronomy. The word focuses on the physical act of imbibing, particularly when it involves wine or strong drink to a degree that suggests indulgence.
Its most distinct usage occurs in Ezekiel 23:42, where the textual tradition identifies "wine-bibbers" or drunkards through its participle form. This specific context highlights the social and moral implications of such drinking, linking heavy consumption with reckless behavior. In wisdom literature like Proverbs, the term serves as a warning against the dangers of overindulgence.
Translators typically render sava as "drink heavily" or "be drunk," capturing the intensity of the action. The word does not merely denote consumption but emphasizes the volume and often the consequence of that consumption. This distinction helps readers understand the biblical perspective on alcohol, which acknowledges its use while cautioning against loss of self-control.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sava points to drinking that goes beyond simple refreshment into excess. It describes a state where control is lost, often leading to poverty and shame. In Proverbs, this behavior is linked with gluttony, showing how physical indulgence can damage our future and dignity.
Scripture does not forbid wine itself but warns against the loss of self-control that comes with overindulgence. This distinction helps us see that the issue is not the drink, but the heart's desire for it to rule over reason. We are called to live with clarity and purpose, not clouded by excess.
When we face stress or celebration, we can choose moderation. This word reminds us that our bodies are meant for stewardship, not destruction. By avoiding the trap of sava, we protect our witness and our peace, keeping our minds clear for God’s guidance in daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ let us drink1×
- and/ a drunkard1×
- among/ drunkards of1×
- a drunkard1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סֹבֵ֣א1×
- וְ/סֹבֵֽא\׃1×
- וְ/נִסְבְּאָ֣ה1×
- בְ/סֹֽבְאֵי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 23:21
for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
This verse explicitly links the state of being drunk with becoming poor, showing the practical consequences of losing self-control.
-
Deuteronomy 21:20
They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
Here the term describes a rebellious son whose lack of restraint is so severe it breaks family order and social standing.
-
Proverbs 23:20
Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat;
The warning to avoid those who drink too much wine highlights the danger of associating with lifestyles that normalize excess.