שָׂהֵד (sa.hed)
sa.hed
advocate
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sahed, appearing only once in the Bible at Job 16:19, translates to "witness." In this context, Job cries out for a witness on his behalf, seeking someone to testify to his innocence against his accusers. The word carries the weight of legal testimony, representing a person who stands as evidence of truth.
Its sole occurrence highlights Job’s desperate need for vindication. He feels abandoned by human defenders and turns to heaven, asking God to appoint a witness who can speak for him. This rare usage underscores the gravity of the term; it is not merely a bystander but an active participant in establishing justice.
The scarcity of this word in Scripture makes its appearance in Job particularly striking. It reflects a moment where legal language meets spiritual anguish, showing how ancient Israelites understood advocacy and truth-telling. The concept remains central to understanding the book’s exploration of suffering and divine justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you feel misunderstood or unfairly judged by those around you, it can be deeply isolating. The word sahed appears only once in Scripture, in Job’s desperate cry for a witness who would vouch for his integrity. It captures the human longing for someone to stand beside us and speak the truth when no one else will listen.
This rare term reminds us that we do not have to carry the burden of proving our innocence alone. Even when human advocates fail or fall silent, there is a divine Witness who sees clearly and speaks on our behalf. It offers comfort in seasons of confusion, knowing that your story is known fully and fairly by God.
In moments where you feel unseen, remember that justice ultimately rests with the One who is on high. You are held by a truth that does not depend on human opinion or shifting circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ witness/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ֝/שָׂהֲדִ֗/י1×
Key Verses
-
Job 16:19
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.
This verse highlights Job's urgent need for a legal defender to counter his friends' accusations, showing the word's role in seeking vindication.