סֵ֫בֶל (se.vel)
se.vel
burden
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sevel denotes a heavy load or burden. It appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Kings 12:4, where the northern tribes address King Rehoboam. They recall how Solomon placed a heavy yoke upon them and ask that this oppressive weight be lightened.
This single occurrence anchors the word’s meaning in the context of political oppression and forced labor. It is not merely a physical weight but an administrative burden imposed by authority, causing distress to those who bear it. The term captures the tangible strain of servitude that led to the kingdom's division.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sevel describes a heavy load or burden placed upon someone. In the Bible, it appears only once, in 1 Kings 12:4. The northern tribes use this word to describe the oppressive yoke Solomon had placed on them. They are not just talking about physical weight; they are speaking of the distress caused by unfair authority and forced labor.
When you feel weighed down by responsibilities that seem too heavy to bear, this word reminds you that your struggle is seen. It validates the pain of being pushed beyond your limits. God cares about the justice we show others and the relief we seek when life feels unbearable. You do not have to carry every load alone.
This single occurrence anchors our understanding in a moment of deep human suffering. It shows that God hears the cries of those who are oppressed. May you find peace knowing that your burdens are known, and that rest is available to you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] forced labor of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סֵ֖בֶל1×