שִׂיב (siv)
siv
be gray
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb siv means to become gray or hoary, describing the physical change of hair turning white with age. It appears only five times in the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Ezra where it serves as a noun for "elders" or "gray-haired ones." This usage highlights how physical aging was culturally associated with wisdom and authority.
Its root sense is straightforward: the graying of hair. In Ezra 10:5, 9, and 14, the term refers to those who had grown old in service to God or community leadership. The text does not merely describe appearance but invokes the respect due to seniority. Translators often render this as "elders" rather than literally "the gray-haired," capturing the social role implied by the physical trait.
This word connects biological aging with social standing. In ancient Israel, gray hair was not just a sign of time passing but a mark of experience and dignity. The limited occurrence in Ezra suggests it was a specific term for respected older men involved in religious or civic matters, rather than a general word for old age.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we see gray hair, it often signals the passage of time and the weight of years lived. In ancient Israel, this physical change carried a deeper meaning, representing wisdom gained through experience and a life of faithfulness. The term for 'gray-haired' was not just about appearance; it described those who held authority and respect within their community because they had served faithfully over many seasons.
For your own walk with God, this reminds us that growing older is not something to fear but a privilege. As you accumulate years, you also accumulate opportunities to demonstrate steadfastness and trust in the Lord. Your experiences, both joyful and difficult, shape your character and allow you to guide others with the same quiet authority seen in the elders of Ezra’s day.
May you find comfort in knowing that every year adds value to your spiritual journey. Whether you are young or old, your service matters deeply to God. Let your life reflect a steady faith that honors Him, trusting that He values your presence and your witness at every stage of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] elders of2×
- to/ elders/ the1×
- and/ [the] elders of1×
- and/ <to>/ [the] elders of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שָׂבֵ֤י1×
- שָׂבֵ֣י1×
- לְ/שָׂבַיָּ֣/א1×
- וּ/לְ/שָׂבֵ֣י1×
- וְ/שָׂבֵ֤י1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:5
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to Darius, and an answer should be returned by letter concerning it.
This verse highlights God's protective oversight of the elders, showing that their gray-haired status commanded divine attention during political opposition.
-
Ezra 6:14
The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Here the elders are credited with building and prospering, linking their physical maturity directly to the successful completion of God's house.
-
Ezra 6:7
Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
The decree explicitly pairs the governor with the elders, establishing that gray-haired leadership was essential for civic and religious order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word siv mean?
Why is siv only found in Ezra?
How does gray hair relate to wisdom in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 5 verses
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
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 6:7Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of…
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 6:14The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of…