שֵׂיב (sev)
sev
age
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun sev refers to the advanced stage of life marked by gray hair or a hoary appearance. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Kings 14:4, where it describes the physical state of the prophet Ahijah’s eyesight failing due to his age.
This word captures the visible signs of aging rather than just the passage of time. The sources highlight its connection to "hoary" or "gray-headed" conditions, emphasizing the tangible evidence of years passed. In this single occurrence, it underscores the vulnerability of even a revered prophet in his later years.
Its rarity makes its usage significant. By choosing sev, the text draws attention to the bodily reality of aging. It serves as a concrete reminder that spiritual authority and physical frailty can coexist, grounding the narrative in human experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sev points to the visible signs of aging, specifically gray hair or a hoary appearance. It appears only once in the Bible, in 1 Kings 14:4, describing the prophet Ahijah whose eyesight had failed due to his age. This rare term reminds us that even those with great spiritual authority face physical decline.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in your own aging process. It acknowledges the reality of frailty without shame. God’s wisdom is not diminished by gray hair or failing sight. Your value remains intact as you grow older, grounded in who God says you are rather than what your body can do.
May you find peace in this season of life, trusting that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. His grace sustains you through every stage, bringing hope and dignity to the years ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ old age/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/שֵּׂיבֽ/וֹ\׃\ \ס1×