שָׂגַב (sa.gav)
sa.gav
to exalt
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sâgav conveys the idea of being elevated, often with a sense of height that is difficult or impossible to reach. In the Qal stem, it describes something physically high or secure, such as a fortress that is too lofty for enemies to capture. This usage appears in Psalms, where God is portrayed as a high place of safety, emphasizing protection through elevation.
When applied to people or nations, sâgav can describe a rise in status or prosperity, though it sometimes carries a warning tone. In Proverbs and Isaiah, the word highlights how pride leads to a fall, contrasting human arrogance with divine justice. The Piel stem intensifies this meaning, showing God actively lifting someone up or humbling them, depending on the context.
Its root likely relates to height or loftiness, making it a vivid image for both physical and spiritual elevation. Translators often render sâgav as "exalt" or "be high," but its full force depends on whether it describes security, pride, or divine action. The word reminds readers that true elevation comes from God alone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb sâgav paints a vivid picture of height and elevation. It describes places so high they are secure from enemies, or people lifted up by God’s hand. When we read that God sets the lowly on high, it is not just about status but about safety. In a world where stability often feels fragile, this word reminds us that true security comes from being held by the One who dwells on high.
Yet the text also offers a gentle correction to human pride. Isaiah notes that while man’s lofty looks are brought low, Yahweh alone is exalted. This contrast invites us to look away from our own achievements or anxieties and fix our eyes on God’s greatness. His name is exalted because He is faithful, just, and near to those who call on Him.
Whether you feel lifted by blessing or weighed down by affliction, this word points to a reality beyond your control. God has the power to raise up the needy and the power to humble the arrogant. Rest in the knowledge that your safety is found not in your own strength, but in His exalted name.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] exalted3×
- high2×
- and/ he will be exalted2×
- they are high1×
- set on high1×
- it was [too] high1×
- it is set on high1×
- he will be set on high1×
- he is exalted1×
- and/ he set on high1×
- and/ he is set on high1×
- I will set on high/ him1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִשְׂגָּבָ֑ה2×
- נִשְׂגָּ֣ב2×
- וְ/נִשְׂגַּ֧ב2×
- שָׂגְבָ֖ה1×
- שָׂ֣גְבוּ1×
- נִשְׂגָּ֖ב1×
- נִ֝שְׂגָּבָ֗ה1×
- נִ֝שְׂגְּבָ֗ה1×
- יַשְׂגִּ֣יב1×
- יְשֻׂגָּֽב\׃1×
- וַ/יְשַׂגֵּ֣ב1×
- וְ/נִשְׂגָּֽב\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Job 5:11
so that he sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety.
This verse shows God actively reversing human circumstances by lifting the lowly to safety, highlighting His role as the source of true elevation.
-
Psalms 91:14
“Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.
Here God promises to set the one who knows His name on high, linking spiritual intimacy with divine protection and exaltation.
-
Isaiah 2:11
The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the arrogance of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day.
The verse contrasts human arrogance, which is brought low, with Yahweh alone being exalted, establishing God’s ultimate sovereignty over pride.
-
Psalms 148:13
Let them praise Yahweh’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
It declares that God’s name alone is exalted above earth and heavens, focusing praise on His unique and supreme glory.