שׂוּךְ (sukh)
sukh
to hedge
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb suk means to hedge or fence something in. It describes the physical act of building a barrier around an object or area for protection. This word appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Job 1:10.
In this verse, Satan acknowledges that God has placed a protective wall around Job and his household. The imagery suggests a secure enclosure that keeps danger at bay. It highlights how divine protection acts as a literal boundary against harm.
The rarity of suk makes its single occurrence in Job particularly significant. It provides a concrete image for the abstract concept of God’s safeguarding presence. Translators often render it as "hedge" to preserve this visual sense of security.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sukh appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Job 1:10. It describes a physical barrier or fence built around a home to keep danger out. When Satan speaks these words, he admits that God has placed such a protective wall around Job and his family. This image reminds us that our safety does not come from our own strength, but from the boundaries God sets for us.
Life can feel unpredictable, and we often worry about what lies beyond our control. Yet this single verse offers a quiet comfort: God is aware of where we are and what surrounds us. He acts as a guardian who establishes limits to keep harm at bay. Even when circumstances shift, the reality of His care remains steady.
You do not need to build your own walls to feel secure. Instead, you can rest in the knowledge that the Creator watches over your path. This ancient word invites you to trust in a protection that is both real and enduring, offering peace for today and hope for tomorrow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- have you put a hedge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַׂ֣כְתָּ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 1:10
Haven’t you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
This verse uniquely uses the verb to describe God's active role in establishing a protective boundary around Job's life and possessions.