סְעַד (se.ad)
se.ad
to support
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb s‘ad means to support or sustain someone physically or materially. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Ezra 5:2, where it describes how the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jewish leaders to rebuild the temple.
As an Aphel form, it carries a causative sense, implying that these messengers provided the strength or backing needed to continue the work. The word links directly to its Hebrew counterpart s‘ad (H5582), which shares the same core meaning of holding up or sustaining.
This single usage highlights how divine encouragement often takes practical form. The prophets did not merely speak; they actively upheld the builders’ resolve against opposition, ensuring the project moved forward through renewed determination and support.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you feel your own strength failing in a difficult season, remember that God often provides support through other people. In Ezra 5:2, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah did not just offer empty words; they actively helped Zerubbabel and Jeshua continue building the temple despite strong opposition. This word reminds us that encouragement is not passive—it involves tangible backing that helps others stand firm.
You may not always feel capable of carrying your burdens alone, but you are never isolated in your struggles. God’s grace works through community, allowing friends, family, or mentors to lift you up when you are weary. This practical support reflects His own sustaining power, showing us that we are designed to rely on one another as we follow His calling.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- supporting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְסָעֲדִ֥ין1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:2
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.
This verse shows the word describing how prophets actively helped leaders continue rebuilding the temple against opposition, demonstrating that divine encouragement often takes practical, hands-on form.