סָבַךְ (sa.vakh)
sa.vakh
to interweave
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sâvakh means to interweave or entangle, creating a dense, tangled mass. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Job 31:36, where Job uses it to describe his own integrity. He declares that he will wear his case like a crown, implying that his life has not been caught in the messy, knotted trap of hidden sin.
Its root sense involves twisting strands together until they form an inseparable tangle. In this single occurrence, Job contrasts his clear conscience with the "interwoven" guilt that ensnares others. The image suggests that while wickedness binds a person in complex knots of deceit and shame, righteousness remains distinct and free.
Translators typically render this rare word as "entangled" or "bound." The usage highlights a stark contrast: Job’s conduct is not woven into the fabric of corruption. Instead, it stands apart, allowing him to face his accusers with confidence rather than being trapped by the consequences of his actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb sâvakh describes the act of interweaving or entangling strands into a dense, knotted mass. While it appears only once in Scripture, the image is vivid: wickedness often binds people in complex tangles of deceit and shame, making escape difficult. Job uses this rare term to contrast his own life with such entanglement, declaring that his integrity remains distinct and free from the hidden traps of sin.
This word reminds us that a clear conscience allows us to stand with confidence before others and before God. When our actions are not woven into the fabric of corruption, we can face accusations or trials without being caught in the messy knots of guilt. It is an invitation to examine our hearts, ensuring that our lives remain transparent and unburdened by hidden wrongs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are interwoven1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְסֻבָּ֑כוּ1×