שִׁבְעָתַיִם (shiv.a.ta.yim)
shiv.a.ta.yim
sevenfold
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word shiv`atayim means "sevenfold" or "seven times," functioning as a dual form that emphasizes repetition or intensity. In the Old Testament, it serves as a powerful marker of abundance or severe consequence, depending on the context. It appears in key passages such as Genesis 4:15 and Psalm 79:12 to describe the extent of divine protection or retribution.
Its most famous usage occurs in Genesis, where God declares that if Cain is killed, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold. This establishes a baseline for justice in the ancient narrative, suggesting that harm against the marked individual incurs a multiplied response. The term conveys more than simple arithmetic; it signals a complete and overwhelming measure.
Translators often render this word as "sevenfold" or "seven times" to preserve its emphatic nature. While modern readers might view the number seven as symbolic of completeness, here it quantifies the weight of an action. The text uses shiv`atayim to ensure the reader understands that the outcome is not minor, but decisive and fully realized.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shiv`atayim carries a weight far beyond simple mathematics. In Genesis, God marks Cain with a sevenfold protection, showing that even in judgment, divine sovereignty sets boundaries that human hands cannot cross. This reminds us that our lives are held securely by a power greater than any threat we face.
Yet the same term appears in Psalms and Proverbs to describe justice and restoration. When we harm others, the call is to make things right with thoroughness. Conversely, when we suffer wrong, we can trust that God sees the depth of our pain. The number seven signals completeness, suggesting that no injustice is too small for Him to notice.
For your faith, this word offers a balance of comfort and responsibility. You are protected by His care, yet called to act with integrity in your relationships. Whether facing danger or seeking reconciliation, the promise remains: God’s justice is complete, and His protection is sure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sevenfold5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם2×
- שִׁבְעָתָ֑יִם1×
- שִׁבְעָתַ֔יִם1×
- שִׁ֭בְעָתַיִם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:15
Yahweh said to him, “Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, so that anyone finding him would not strike him.
This verse establishes the word as a divine guarantee of protection for Cain, showing that even in judgment, God sets limits on vengeance.
-
Psalms 79:12
Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord.
Here the psalmist asks for retribution to be multiplied sevenfold against enemies, reflecting a plea for God’s justice to fully address their reproach.
-
Proverbs 6:31
but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house.
The thief who is caught must restore seven times, illustrating that true repentance requires a complete and overwhelming effort to make things right.