סְבָא (se.va)
se.va
Seba
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Seba refers to a figure in Genesis who was the firstborn son of Cush and brother to Havilah and Nimrod. It also designates a people or region located south of Palestine, often identified with ancient Ethiopia or Nubia. The sources note that the name may mean "drink thou," though its precise etymology remains uncertain.
Scripture mentions Seba in four verses, primarily in Psalms and Isaiah, where it serves as a geographical marker for distant lands. For instance, Psalm 72:10 speaks of kings of Sheba and Seba bringing gifts, using the name to symbolize the farthest reaches of the known world offering tribute to the righteous king. This usage highlights the extent of Israel's influence or God's universal reach.
While not a theological term with complex doctrinal weight, Seba functions as a concrete reference point for ancient trade routes and political boundaries. Its appearance in prophetic literature underscores the global scope of divine promises, extending beyond Israel to include distant nations like those from the south.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Seba appears in Scripture as a distant land, often linked with ancient Ethiopia or Nubia. In Genesis, it marks a lineage from Cush, reminding us that God’s family tree stretches across every corner of the earth. This genealogy shows that no region is outside His creative care.
In the Psalms and Isaiah, Seba becomes a symbol of the farthest reaches of the known world. Kings from these distant places bringing gifts points to a time when all nations will recognize God’s goodness. It is a picture of hope: your faith connects you to a global story of redemption that includes people from every direction.
When we read about Seba, we are invited to see our place in this wide world. God’s promises are not limited by borders or distance. We can trust that His love reaches even the most remote corners, and He invites us to share that hope with everyone we meet.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Seba2×
- [were] Seba1×
- Seba1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְבָא֙2×
- וּ֝/סְבָ֗א1×
- וּ/סְבָ֖א1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 72:10
The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
This verse uses Seba to represent the extreme southern boundary of the world offering tribute, highlighting the universal scope of the coming righteous king's reign.
-
Isaiah 43:3
For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Here God mentions Seba alongside Egypt and Ethiopia as nations He will give in exchange for Israel, demonstrating His sovereign power to protect His people using distant powers.
-
Genesis 10:7
The sons of Cush were: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah were: Sheba and Dedan.
This genealogical record identifies Seba as a son of Cush, grounding the name in the historical spread of nations after the flood.