סָבַב (sa.vav)
sa.vav
to turn: turn
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 125 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sâbab describes the act of turning, circling, or surrounding. It captures a wide range of physical movements, from a person pivoting on their heel to armies marching in a circle around a city. The core image is one of motion that changes direction or creates an enclosure, often implying a complete circuit or a defensive perimeter.
Its usage varies significantly by grammatical form. In the Qal stem, it frequently denotes simple turning or walking around, as when David turns from one place to another in 1 Samuel 17:30. The Hiphil stem intensifies this, often meaning to cause something to turn or to surround with force, such as God surrounding a people with protection or enemies encircling a fortress.
A notable example of its theological weight appears in Joshua 6, where the Israelites march around Jericho. Here, sâbab is not just movement; it is a ritual act of obedience that results in the city’s walls falling. The word conveys both the physical act of encircling and the spiritual reality of God’s presence enveloping His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sâbab paints a picture of motion that changes direction or creates an enclosure. It describes everything from a person turning away in grief to armies marching around a city, and even God surrounding His people with care. This range of meaning shows that turning is not just a physical act but often carries spiritual weight. When we see this word used for God, it reminds us of His protective presence.
In Joshua 6, the Israelites marched around Jericho as an act of obedience. The walls fell not because of military strategy, but because they followed God’s specific instructions. This story highlights how trusting God’s direction, even when it seems unusual, leads to breakthrough. It is a reminder that our path through life may involve circling back or waiting, but God is guiding each step.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in times of uncertainty. Whether you feel surrounded by challenges or are simply turning toward God in prayer, His care envelops you. Like the shepherd who surrounds his flock with protection, God’s presence is a secure boundary around those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 125 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- go around6×
- and/ he turned6×
- they surrounded/ me5×
- and/ it turns5×
- and/ they went around4×
- surrounded3×
- it went round3×
- and/ they surrounded3×
- and/ it will turn3×
- and/ he went around3×
- and/ he changed3×
- who/ go around2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יַּסֵּ֥ב5×
- וַ/יָּסֹ֙בּוּ֙4×
- וַ/יִּסֹּ֥ב4×
- סְבָב֑וּ/נִי3×
- וַ/יַּסֵּ֤ב3×
- תִּסּ֣וֹב2×
- סֹ֣ב2×
- סֹ֖ב2×
- יָסֹ֥ב2×
- וַ/יָּסֹ֧בּוּ2×
- וַ/יָּסֹ֥בּוּ2×
- וַ/יִּסֹּ֤ב2×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 6:3
All of your men of war shall march around the city, going around the city once. You shall do this six days.
This verse commands the specific action of marching around the city, establishing the ritual obedience that leads to the fall of Jericho.
-
Genesis 19:4
But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter.
The men of Sodom surrounded the house, illustrating the word’s use for hostile encirclement and the threat faced by Lot.
-
Exodus 13:18
but God led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt.
God led the people around by the wilderness way, showing how divine guidance often involves indirect paths rather than direct routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word sâbab mean?
How is sâbab used in the story of Jericho?
Does sâbab always mean a physical action?
Every Occurrence (125 verses across 23 books)
Genesis 5 verses
The name of the first is Pishon: it flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
Genesis 2:13The name of the second river is Gihon. It is the same river that flows through the whole land of Cush.
Genesis 19:4But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the…
Genesis 37:7for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your…
Genesis 42:24He turned himself away from them, and wept. Then he returned to them, and spoke to them, and took Simeon from among…