שׂוּם (sum)
sum
to set: make
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb sum means to put, set, or make something in place. It appears twenty times in the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Ezra and Daniel. In these contexts, it often describes the establishment of laws, the appointment of officials, or the physical placement of objects and people.
Its usage ranges from concrete actions to administrative decisions. For example, King Darius issues a decree that is "made" (Ezra 6:8), while Daniel’s friends are described as those whom the king had "made" high officials (Daniel 3:29). The word also covers physical placement, such as laying stones or setting up camps.
This term highlights the authority behind actions. Whether a ruler sets a price or God places humanity in a garden, sum emphasizes the deliberate act of positioning. It reflects a world where order is established through intentional command and fixed arrangements.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sum describes the deliberate act of setting something in place. It appears frequently in the books of Ezra and Daniel, where kings issue decrees to build, appoint officials, or establish laws. This term highlights that order comes from intentional command. When a ruler sets a price or God places humanity in a garden, sum emphasizes the authority behind the action.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. It reminds you that history is not random. Even when political powers seem chaotic, God’s purposes are firmly established. Just as Cyrus made a decree to rebuild the temple, God sets the boundaries of our lives with care. You can trust that He has placed you where you are for a reason.
This stability allows us to rest. We do not need to force outcomes or worry about the future. The same God who set the foundations of the earth also sets the path for your days. His plans are secure, and His word remains firm through every generation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it is made5×
- he made4×
- it was made2×
- did he make2×
- you made1×
- they will be made1×
- they have set1×
- make1×
- it will be made1×
- he had made/ him1×
- [is] being set1×
- I make1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׂ֣ים7×
- שָׂ֣ם3×
- שָׂ֨ם2×
- שָׂמֵֽ/הּ\׃1×
- שָׂם\־1×
- שָׂ֨מֽוּ1×
- שָׂ֣מֶת1×
- שָׂ֣מְתָּ1×
- שִׂ֣ימוּ1×
- מִתְּשָׂ֣ם1×
- יִתְּשָׂמֽוּן\׃1×
- יִתְּשָֽׂם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:13
But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
This verse shows how a human king’s decree aligns with God’s long-term plan to restore Jerusalem, proving that sum often serves divine purposes beyond human intent.
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Daniel 3:29
Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.”
Here the word underscores the power of a royal decree to protect God’s people, demonstrating that even pagan rulers can establish laws that honor the Lord.
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Ezra 6:11
I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened on it; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
The severe penalty for altering this decree highlights the seriousness and permanence of what has been set in place by authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word sum mean?
Where does this word appear most often?
How is sum different from other words for 'make'?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 15 verses
I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past,…
Ezra 4:21Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Ezra 5:3At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and…
Ezra 5:8Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…
Ezra 5:9Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
Ezra 5:13But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
Ezra 5:14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 5:17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…
Ezra 6:1Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was…
Ezra 6:3In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house…
Ezra 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…
Ezra 6:11I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be…
Ezra 6:12May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter…
Ezra 7:13I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of…
Ezra 7:21I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the…