סֵעֵף (se.eph)
se.eph
divided
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective se’eph describes a state of being divided or half-hearted. It captures the tension of a person who is pulled in two directions, unable to commit fully to one path. In the Bible, this term is rare, appearing only once in the entire canon.
This single occurrence is found in Psalm 119:113, where the psalmist declares an hatred for "double-minded" men. Here, se’eph characterizes those who are unstable in their faith, wavering between loyalty to God and alignment with the world. The word paints a picture of spiritual inconsistency rather than outright rebellion.
The root sense relates to being split or parted. Translators often render it as "ambivalent" or "double-minded" to convey this lack of resolve. It serves as a stark contrast to the wholehearted devotion praised elsewhere in Scripture, highlighting the danger of a fractured commitment to divine truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word se’eph describes a heart that is split between two loyalties. It captures the quiet struggle of wavering, where one’s commitment to God competes with the pull of the world. This is not always open rebellion; often it is a subtle hesitation, a lack of full resolve that keeps us from resting in divine truth.
In Psalm 119:113, the psalmist contrasts this divided state with a deep love for God’s law. The text highlights how spiritual instability can arise when we try to hold onto conflicting paths. Recognising this tendency is the first step toward healing. It invites us to examine where our hearts are truly anchored.
When you feel pulled in different directions, remember that wholeness comes from focusing on one path. God’s law offers a clear direction for those who seek it. You can ask for help to align your heart with His truth, finding peace in single-minded devotion rather than fractured attention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- half-hearted people1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סֵעֲפִ֥ים1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 119:113
I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
This verse uses the term to identify those whose loyalty is split, contrasting their instability with the psalmist's steadfast love for God's law.