סָמַן (sa.man)
sa.man
to appoint
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sâman means to mark off or designate a specific place or portion. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 28:25, where it describes barley being sown in an appointed location. This single usage highlights how the word functions to establish order and precision in agricultural practice.
In its only biblical occurrence, the text uses the Niphal participle to indicate that the barley is planted in a determined spot. The image suggests careful planning rather than random scattering. Each grain has its designated space, ensuring that the crop grows effectively within the field’s boundaries.
This rare word emphasizes intentionality in God’s provision. By marking off specific areas for planting, the farmer ensures that resources are used wisely. The verse illustrates how divine wisdom often works through practical, orderly methods to sustain life and community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sâman appears just once in Scripture, nestled within a farmer’s practical instructions in Isaiah 28:25. It describes placing barley in an appointed spot rather than scattering it randomly. This detail reveals that God’s wisdom often works through careful order and intentionality. Even in simple agricultural tasks, there is a deliberate design that ensures growth and provision.
For your faith life, this reminds us that our steps are not left to chance. When we seek God’s guidance, He helps us find the right place for our efforts. Like the barley in its designated row, your life has purpose and direction. Trust that the Creator of order cares about the details of your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an appointed [place]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִסְמָ֔ן1×
Key Verses
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Isaiah 28:25
When he has leveled its surface, doesn’t he plant the dill, and scatter the cumin seed, and put in the wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place?
This verse uses the word to show that barley was planted in a specific, designated location, highlighting intentional order rather than random scattering.