סָעַד (sa.ad)
sa.ad
to support
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sa‘ad means to support or sustain, often describing physical stability as well as inner strength. In the Old Testament it appears in contexts ranging from holding up a throne to steadying a person’s heart, conveying the idea of preventing collapse under pressure.
This word carries a sense of active reinforcement. It is not merely passive presence but a deliberate act of strengthening what is at risk. For example, Proverbs 25:21 uses it to describe how acts of kindness can soften an enemy’s heart, suggesting that support can transform hostility into peace.
The term appears eight times in Scripture, mostly in poetic books like Psalms and Proverbs, where emotional and spiritual resilience are central themes. Its use for "heart" is particularly notable, linking physical posture with inner courage. Translators often render it as "strengthen," "comfort," or "uphold," depending on context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy or unstable, this Hebrew word reminds us that support is an active, deliberate act of strength. It describes the physical holding up of a throne or the steadying of a heart under pressure. In our own struggles, we are not left to collapse under the weight of our circumstances. Instead, we find that God’s loving kindness holds us up when our feet feel like they are slipping.
This concept extends beyond divine intervention into our daily interactions. The text shows how simple acts, like sharing a meal or offering kindness, can strengthen another person’s heart. It suggests that our small gestures of care have real power to sustain others and even transform hostility into peace. We are called to be instruments of this support for those around us.
Ultimately, the word points to a foundation of love and faithfulness that keeps both kings and common people safe. Whether through God’s steadfast presence or the encouragement we receive from community, we are sustained. This assurance allows us to face each day with confidence, knowing that our strength comes from a source that never fails.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sustain2×
- uphold/ me1×
- it sustains1×
- it supported/ me1×
- and/ sustain/ !1×
- and/ sustain <you>1×
- and/ he sustains1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְעָדֵ֥/נִי1×
- סְעָד\־1×
- סְעָ֧ד1×
- יִסְעָדֵֽ/נִי\׃1×
- יִסְעָֽד\׃1×
- וּֽ/סְעָ֑דָ/ה1×
- וְ/סָעַ֖ד1×
- וְ/סַעֲד֤וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 94:18
When I said, “My foot is slipping!” Your loving kindness, Yahweh, held me up.
This verse highlights the word's role in personal crisis, showing how divine kindness actively prevents spiritual collapse when one feels unstable.
-
Psalms 119:117
Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.
Here the plea for support is directly linked to obedience and safety, indicating that strength enables faithful adherence to God's statutes.
-
Proverbs 20:28
Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.
The term describes how love sustains a king’s throne, illustrating that political stability relies on moral foundations rather than force alone.