שָׂבֵעַ (sa.va)
sa.va
to satisfy
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 79 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sava means to be filled until there is no more room for desire, whether that fullness comes from food or from experience. In its most common use, it describes the physical state of being sated after eating, as when the Israelites are promised a land where they will eat and be satisfied (Deuteronomy 8:10). This literal sense anchors the word’s broader application to any deep longing that has finally been met.
Beyond basic nourishment, sava carries a nuanced range of meanings that extend into emotional and spiritual territories. It can describe a soul that is weary because it has had too much of something unpleasant, or an eye that is satisfied simply by seeing what it desires (Ecclesiastes 1:8). The sources note that this verb often appears in poetic contexts to contrast the fleeting nature of human satisfaction with God’s enduring provision, highlighting how true contentment differs from mere gluttony or excess.
A key feature of sava is its use in the Hiphil stem, where God is the subject who enriches or satisfies His people. This active form emphasizes that fulfillment is not achieved by human effort alone but is granted as a gift. Translators typically render this word as "satisfy" or "be full," capturing both the physical act of eating and the deeper sense of having one’s deepest needs met.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb sava describes a state of complete satisfaction, where desire is fully met. It begins with the simple physical act of eating until no more hunger remains, yet it extends into our emotional and spiritual lives. When we experience true contentment, it is often because God has provided what we needed most, whether that is daily bread or peace in a troubled heart.
This word reminds us that fulfillment is a gift rather than an achievement. In Deuteronomy 8:10, the people are told to eat and be full, then bless God for the land He gave them. True satisfaction leads to gratitude, not pride. It helps us recognize that our deepest needs are met by His provision, allowing us to rest in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 79 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will be satisfied7×
- and/ you will be satisfied6×
- they will be satisfied5×
- they are satisfied5×
- it is satisfied4×
- you will be satisfied3×
- and/ they were satisfied3×
- to/ be satisfied2×
- they were satisfied2×
- it will be satisfied2×
- he is satisfied2×
- and/ they will be satisfied2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִֽשְׂבַּֽע\־4×
- תִּשְׂבַּ֥ע2×
- תִשְׂבַּ֣ע2×
- תִשְׂבַּ֑עְנָה2×
- יִשְׂבָּֽעוּ\׃2×
- יִשְׂבָּ֖עוּ2×
- יִשְׂבָּ֔ע2×
- וְ/שָׂבָֽעְתָּ\׃2×
- וְ/שָׂבָ֑עְתָּ2×
- תַּשְׂבִּ֑יעַ1×
- תִּשְׂבַּ֣ע1×
- תִּשְׂבְּעוּ\־1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 8:10
You shall eat and be full, and you shall bless Yahweh your God for the good land which he has given you.
This verse links physical fullness directly to the command to bless God, showing that satisfaction is meant to lead to worship.
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Psalms 17:15
As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.
Here the psalmist contrasts worldly wealth with spiritual contentment, finding true satisfaction in seeing God's face.
-
Ruth 2:14
At meal time Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.” She sat beside the reapers, and they passed her parched grain. She ate, was satisfied, and left some of it.
Boaz offers Ruth food and rest, illustrating how human kindness can be a tangible expression of God's provision.
-
Exodus 16:8
Moses said, “Now Yahweh will give you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfy you, because Yahweh hears your murmurings which you murmur against him. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against Yahweh.”
Moses points to the manna as evidence that Yahweh hears their complaints, using physical sustenance to reveal His faithfulness.