סְגֻלָּה (se.gul.lah)
se.gul.lah
possession
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun segullah refers to a special possession or treasure, but not just any property. It describes something held with particular value and care, often implying a personal relationship between owner and object. In the Old Testament, it is used to describe Israel as God’s peculiar treasure, highlighting their unique status among all nations.
This word appears eight times in Scripture, most frequently in Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Malachi. When Exodus 19:5 calls Israel God’s segullah, it emphasizes that they are not merely subjects but a cherished possession. The term carries weight beyond simple ownership; it suggests intimacy and preciousness, as when Malachi 3:17 speaks of God’s people being His special treasure.
Translators often render segullah as "possession" or "treasure," though these English words may not fully capture the relational depth of the Hebrew. The concept reflects a covenant bond where God claims His people as His own, setting them apart for a specific purpose. This understanding shapes how Christians and Jews alike view their identity before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word segullah describes more than just property; it points to a treasure held with deep affection and care. When Scripture calls God’s people His segullah, it means they are not merely subjects, but a cherished possession set apart for intimacy. This relationship is defined by value and personal connection, rather than simple ownership.
This truth offers profound comfort. You are known and valued by the Creator of all things. In moments of doubt or loneliness, remember that you belong to Him in a unique way. He does not view you as one among many, but as His own special treasure, worthy of His spare mercy and devoted care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- possession3×
- a possession2×
- treasure1×
- to/ possession/ his1×
- and/ treasure of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְגֻלָּ֔ה3×
- סְגֻלָּה֙1×
- סְגֻלָּ֖ה1×
- סְגֻלָּ֑ה1×
- לִ/סְגֻלָּתֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- וּ/סְגֻלַּ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;
This verse establishes the covenant context where Israel is defined not by power, but by being God's chosen possession.
-
Psalms 135:4
For Yah has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own possession.
The psalmist recalls this identity as a permanent reminder of God’s specific choice of Jacob for Himself.
-
Malachi 3:17
They shall be mine,” says Yahweh of Armies, “my own possession in the day that I make. I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.
Here the term highlights future hope, assuring that God will spare His people as a man spares his serving son.