שֵׂיבָה (se.vah)
se.vah
greyheaded
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun seḇāh refers to grey hair or a grey head, serving as a physical marker for advanced age. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears seventeen times, often standing in for the concept of old age itself. The sources highlight its use in Genesis and Proverbs, where the greying of one’s hair signals a life lived to maturity.
This word carries significant cultural weight. A grey head is not merely a sign of aging but is described as a crown of glory that is found in the way of righteousness (Proverbs 16:31). It represents wisdom earned through time and experience. Conversely, losing one’s seḇāh prematurely can indicate shame or divine judgment, as seen when God says He will cut off the head of Israel (Isaiah 9:15).
The term appears in narratives like that of Abigail, who bows to David with her face to the ground, acknowledging his status. It also features in wisdom literature, where the grey head is a symbol of respect and dignity. Translators typically render it as "greyheaded" or "old age," capturing both the physical trait and the social standing it implies.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word seḇāh describes grey hair, but in Scripture it points to something deeper than physical aging. It represents a life lived with integrity and wisdom. When Proverbs calls grey hair a crown of glory, it links dignity directly to righteousness. This suggests that our later years are not about decline, but about the quiet accumulation of faithfulness.
God’s care for those in their seḇāh is consistent throughout the Bible. In Isaiah 46:4, He promises to carry His people even into old age and grey hairs. This assurance reminds us that our value does not fade with time. Instead, we are invited to trust that God remains present as we move through every season of life.
Reflecting on this word encourages respect for those who have walked long paths in faith. It also offers hope to those approaching their own later years. The promise is not that aging is easy, but that it is meaningful and held by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gray hair5×
- in/ old age4×
- grey hair/ his2×
- gray hair/ my2×
- old age/ your1×
- and/ grey hair1×
- [the] gray hair of1×
- [is] gray hair1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שֵׂיבָתִ֛/י2×
- שֵׂיבָת֛/וֹ2×
- שֵׂיבָה֙2×
- שֵׂיבָֽה\׃2×
- בְּ/שֵׂיבָ֥ה2×
- בְּ/שֵׂיבָ֣ה2×
- שֵׂיבָתֵ֑/ךְ1×
- שֵׂיבָ֑ה1×
- שֵׂיבַ֨ת1×
- שֵיבָ֖ה1×
- וְ/שֵׂיבָה֮1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
This verse defines the grey head as a crown of glory, directly linking physical aging to a life lived in righteousness.
-
Isaiah 46:4
Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
God uses this term to promise personal sustenance and carrying power for His people even as they grow old and grey.
-
Leviticus 19:32
“‘You shall rise up before the gray head and honor the face of the elderly; and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.
The command to rise before the gray head establishes a cultural standard of honor and fear of God toward the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does seḇāh mean in the Bible?
Why is grey hair called a crown of glory?
How does this word relate to God's care?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 11 books)
Genesis 5 verses
but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age.
Genesis 25:8Abraham gave up his spirit, and died at a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people.
Genesis 42:38He said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left. If harm happens to him along…
Genesis 44:29If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.’
Genesis 44:31it will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of…