שָׂבָע (sa.va)
sa.va
abundance
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun sa.va describes a state of fullness or abundance, often referring specifically to the satisfaction that comes from eating enough food. It captures the physical sensation of satiety, where hunger is completely satisfied and there is no longer a need for more. In the biblical text, this word appears in contexts where provision is sufficient, marking a moment of relief from scarcity.
Its usage highlights the tangible reality of God’s provision. For instance, in Genesis 41:57, the phrase "all lands came to Egypt to buy grain" implies that the country possessed such sa.va—such abundance—that it could sustain others during famine. The word does not necessarily imply excess or waste, but rather a solid, reliable plenty that meets basic needs.
This concept of fullness extends beyond mere survival. In Proverbs 30:8, the speaker asks for neither poverty nor sa.va, recognizing that extreme wealth can lead to self-reliance and forgetting God, just as lack can lead to theft. The word thus serves as a reminder that true contentment is not found in the quantity of resources, but in trusting the Source of all plenty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sa.va describes a deep sense of fullness, specifically the satisfaction that comes when hunger is completely met. It is not just about having extra resources, but about reaching a state where basic needs are reliably satisfied. This concept reminds us that God’s provision often brings a tangible relief from scarcity, allowing us to rest in the knowledge that we have enough.
Yet, this abundance carries a gentle warning. In Proverbs 3:10, filling barns with plenty is linked to trusting God, but elsewhere, too much fullness can lead to forgetting the Source of our bread. True contentment is not found in the quantity of what we hold, but in recognizing who provides it. When our needs are met, we are invited to look beyond our own stores and give thanks for the One who sustains us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ plenty3×
- the/ plenty2×
- plenty2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/שָּׂבָ֑ע2×
- שָׂבָ֥ע1×
- שָׂבָ֑ע1×
- הַ/שָּׂבָע֙1×
- הַ/שָּׂבָֽע\׃1×
- הַ/שָּׂבָ֖ע1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:30
Seven years of famine will arise after them, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land,
This verse contrasts the coming famine with the 'plenty' (sa.va) that will soon be forgotten, highlighting how temporary earthly abundance can be.
-
Genesis 41:47
In the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly.
Here, the earth itself produces abundantly, showing sa.va as a natural result of God’s blessing during the years of plenty.
-
Proverbs 3:10
so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
The promise that barns will be filled with 'plenty' connects material abundance directly to honoring God in one's ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sa.va mean in the Bible?
How is sa.va different from general wealth?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Behold, seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt are coming.
Genesis 41:30Seven years of famine will arise after them, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will…
Genesis 41:31and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous.
Genesis 41:34Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt’s…
Genesis 41:47In the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly.
Genesis 41:53The seven years of plenty, that were in the land of Egypt, came to an end.