שֹׂ֫בַע (so.va)
so.va
satiety
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun seba describes a state of fullness or satiety, capturing both the physical satisfaction of a meal and the broader sense of abundance. In the Hebrew Bible, it often appears in contexts where food is plentiful, reflecting a tangible experience of being satisfied to the point of no longer needing more.
This word carries a dual nuance that extends beyond mere eating. While it frequently denotes the physical result of a feast, as seen when Ruth finds plenty in the fields (Ruth 2:14), it also points to a deeper spiritual or emotional contentment. In Psalms, such as Psalm 36:8, it describes the soul’s delight in God’s goodness, suggesting that true abundance satisfies the inner person just as food fills the stomach.
The term is relatively rare, appearing only seven times in Scripture, which gives its usage a concentrated weight. It bridges the gap between material provision and spiritual joy, illustrating how physical blessings can serve as metaphors for divine favor. Translators typically render it as "satiety," "abundance," or "fullness," depending on whether the context emphasizes bodily need or spiritual richness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word seba describes a deep state of satisfaction that goes beyond simple hunger. It captures the relief of eating until you no longer need more, whether that is bread from the fields or joy in God’s presence. This physical fullness serves as a gentle picture of spiritual contentment.
In Ruth 2:18, we see this tangible care when Boaz ensures Ruth has enough to take home. It reminds us that God provides for our daily needs with specific attention. Yet the Psalms lift this idea higher, showing that true satiety comes from dwelling in His presence rather than just filling a stomach.
When life feels scarce or anxious, remember that your soul was made for more than empty striving. The same God who fed Israel in the wilderness desires to satisfy your heart with lasting peace and joy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ abundance3×
- to/ satiety1×
- to/ [the] satiety of1×
- from/ abundance/ her1×
- abundance of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/שֹׂ֑בַע2×
- שֹׂ֣בַע1×
- מִ/שָּׂבְעָֽ/הּ\׃1×
- לָ/שֹֽׂבַע\׃1×
- לָ/שֹׂ֔בַע1×
- לְ/שֹׂ֣בַע1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 2:18
She took it up, and went into the city. Then her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned; and she brought out and gave to her that which she had left after she had enough.
This verse highlights practical provision, showing how physical abundance allows for generosity toward others.
-
Psalms 78:25
Man ate the bread of angels. He sent them food to the full.
Here the term elevates manna to heavenly bread, linking physical sustenance directly to divine intervention.
-
Proverbs 13:25
The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
This contrast shows that righteousness leads to deep soul satisfaction while wickedness results in persistent lack.