סְגִ֑ד (se.gid)

se.gid

to do homage

H5457 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 11 verses

A:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 11 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb segid describes the physical act of prostrating oneself in homage or worship. Occurring eleven times in Scripture, it appears most frequently in the book of Daniel, where it captures the dramatic tension between political pressure and religious fidelity.

This word denotes a posture of deep reverence, often involving bowing down to the ground. In Daniel’s narrative, characters are commanded to perform this act of homage toward statues or kings, creating a stark contrast with their devotion to God. The term emphasizes the external gesture that signals submission and honor.

Translators typically render segid as "worship" or "bow down," depending on the context. Its concentrated use in Daniel highlights the cultural clash between imperial demands for idolatrous homage and the steadfast refusal of faithful servants to compromise their loyalty to the one true God.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word segid describes the physical act of bowing down in deep reverence or homage. In the ancient world, this posture signaled total submission to a superior authority. While it is often translated simply as "worship," the gesture carries a heavy weight of loyalty and allegiance. It is not merely an internal feeling but an outward declaration of who holds ultimate power in one’s life.

In the book of Daniel, we see this word used in moments of intense conflict. King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that everyone segid before his golden statue, forcing a choice between political obedience and faithfulness to God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to perform this act of homage, choosing instead to trust God even when facing a fiery furnace. Their story reminds us that true reverence belongs to God alone.

This word challenges us to examine our own postures of heart. When life pressures us to compromise our values or bow to idols of success and approval, we are called to a higher standard. We find strength not in avoiding conflict, but in standing firm in our devotion. May your life reflect a loyalty that honors God above all earthly demands.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

so/ he may pay homage3×
so/ you may pay homage2×
you will pay homage1×
we will pay homage1×
they will pay homage1×
he paid homage1×
[you are] paying homage1×
[they were] paying homage1×
[they are] paying homage1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/יִסְגֻּ֑ד2×
תִסְגְּד֔וּן1×
סָגְדִֽין\׃\ \ס1×
סָֽגְדִין֙1×
סָֽגְדִֽין\׃1×
סְגִ֑ד1×
נִסְגֻּֽד\׃\ \ס1×
יִסְגְּדוּן֙1×
וְ/תִסְגְּדוּן֮1×
וְ/תִסְגְּדוּן֙1×
וְ/יִסְגֻּ֖ד1×

Key Verses

Daniel 3:18
But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”

This verse captures the decisive refusal to perform homage, prioritizing faithfulness to God over survival under threat.
Daniel 2:46
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.

Here the king performs the act of bowing down in awe after witnessing God’s power through Daniel, showing how reverence can be directed toward the Creator.
Daniel 3:12
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, have not respected you. They don’t serve your gods, and don’t worship the golden image which you have set up.”

The accusers use this term to highlight the men’s unique stance, noting they do not offer the required homage to the king’s gods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word segid mean?

Segid means to do homage or bow down in reverence. It describes a physical posture of submission, often used in contexts where loyalty is being tested or affirmed.

How is segid different from shachah?

While both words involve bowing, segid emphasizes the act of paying homage or showing respect to a superior. Shachah is broader and often used for general worship or prostration before God.

Why does segid appear so often in Daniel?

The book of Daniel uses segid to highlight the tension between imperial demands for idolatrous homage and the faithful refusal of believers to compromise their loyalty to God.

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 1 books)

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 2:46

Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet…

Daniel 3:5

that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down…

Daniel 3:6

Whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be cast into the middle of a burning fiery furnace the same hour.”

Daniel 3:7

Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all…

Daniel 3:10

You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and…

Daniel 3:11

and whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be cast into the middle of a burning fiery furnace.

Daniel 3:12

There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and…

Daniel 3:14

Nebuchadnezzar answered them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don’t serve my gods and you don’t…

Daniel 3:15

Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music…

Daniel 3:18

But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have…

Daniel 3:28

Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and…