סוּסָה (su.sah)
su.sah
mare
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun susah refers specifically to a female horse, or mare. In the biblical text, this term appears only once, in Song of Solomon 1:9, where it serves as part of a vivid metaphor comparing the beloved to a stallion among Pharaoh’s chariots.
While the word simply denotes the animal’s gender, its poetic context adds layers of meaning. The comparison highlights beauty and strength, traits traditionally associated with powerful horses in ancient Near Eastern culture. By using susah, the poet emphasizes the beloved’s striking presence and noble stature within the royal setting.
This single occurrence shows how even a straightforward biological term can carry rich symbolic weight when placed in lyrical poetry. The mare becomes more than livestock; it transforms into an image of grace and power that captures the reader’s imagination.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word su.sah specifically denotes a female horse, yet its single appearance in Song of Solomon 1:9 carries surprising poetic weight. Here, the beloved is compared to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots. This image evokes both striking beauty and noble strength, traits highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture. It reminds us that God appreciates the fullness of human character, including grace and power.
When we encounter such vivid metaphors in Scripture, we are invited to see ourselves and our loved ones through a lens of dignity. The text does not merely describe an animal; it celebrates a presence that commands respect and admiration. This encourages us to value the unique qualities God has placed within each person, recognizing that even simple terms can reveal deep truths about identity and worth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ mare/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/סֻסָתִ/י֙1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 1:9
I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.
This verse uses the term to create a striking metaphor of beauty and strength within a royal context, elevating the beloved's status.