שִׂיב (siv)
siv
be gray
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb siv describes the physical process of hair turning gray or hoary, marking the visible signs of aging. It appears in only two verses in the Old Testament, both within the book of Job (Job 12:12 and 15:10), where it serves as a concrete image for the passage of time and the weariness that comes with long life.
In these contexts, gray hair is not merely a biological detail but a symbol of wisdom gained through experience. The speakers use siv to argue that age brings insight, suggesting that those who have lived longer should naturally hold more understanding. This usage reflects a common ancient Near Eastern view that longevity and intellectual depth are closely linked.
While the word itself simply denotes the color change, its literary function in Job highlights the tension between human experience and divine mystery. The characters rely on siv to validate their authority, yet the narrative ultimately questions whether age alone guarantees true wisdom, leaving the reader to consider the limits of human judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word siv describes the visible sign of hair turning gray, marking the passage of time in a way that is both physical and deeply human. In the Old Testament, this simple description carries weight as a symbol of experience and the weariness that often accompanies long life. It reminds us that aging is not just a biological process but a journey through which we accumulate stories, lessons, and perspective.
In the book of Job, characters use gray hair to argue for authority based on age. Yet the narrative challenges this assumption, showing that while experience matters, it does not automatically grant perfect wisdom. This invites us to value the insights of older generations while remaining humble about our own understanding. We learn that true insight often comes from recognizing the limits of human knowledge and trusting in God’s greater perspective.
For your faith life, siv offers a gentle reminder to honor the journey of aging without idolizing it. It encourages respect for those who have walked longer paths while acknowledging that wisdom is ultimately a gift from God. This word helps us see gray hair not just as a sign of decline but as a testament to endurance and the shared human experience of seeking truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ I am gray haired1×
- [the] gray haired1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׂ֣ב1×
- וָ/שַׂ֔בְתִּי1×
Key Verses
-
Job 15:10
With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much older than your father.
Eliphaz uses the presence of gray-headed men to argue that age naturally confers superior wisdom, reflecting a common ancient view that longevity equals insight.
-
I Samuel 12:2
Now, behold, the king walks before you. I am old and gray-headed. Behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth to this day.
Samuel identifies himself as gray-headed to establish his credibility and long service before the people, linking physical aging with faithful leadership.