שָׂעַר (sa.ar)
sa.ar
to shudder; to storm; to know
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sa`ar carries two distinct but related meanings: to shudder in dread or to sweep away like a violent storm. In its primary sense, it describes an intense physical reaction to terror, such as bristling with horror. This usage appears in Job 41:25, where the terrifying power of Leviathan causes observers to shake with fear.
Alternatively, sa`ar depicts the destructive force of a tempest. It is used metaphorically for God’s judgment, sweeping away the wicked as a whirlwind clears debris. Jeremiah 23:19 and Psalm 83:10 employ this imagery, portraying divine wrath as an unstoppable storm that overwhelms enemies. The Niphal form emphasizes the chaotic nature of such upheaval.
Though rare, occurring in only five verses, sa`ar powerfully conveys both human vulnerability before divine power and the overwhelming force of God’s justice. Its dual focus on fear and destruction highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God’s actions in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sa`ar captures the raw intensity of standing before something far greater than ourselves. It describes a shudder of dread or a violent storm that sweeps away obstacles. In Job, the sheer power of creation causes even the strongest to tremble. This reminds us that our faith is not about controlling outcomes, but trusting the One who commands the winds.
When life feels chaotic, this imagery offers comfort rather than fear. The same power that shakes the earth is the power that sustains it. We do not need to face storms alone, for Scripture shows us a God whose justice and strength are as reliable as the tide. Our response can be awe, not anxiety.
This word invites us to recognize our smallness in the face of divine majesty. It does not leave us helpless, but places us in the hands of a Creator who is both mighty and present. We find peace not by eliminating the storm, but by anchoring our hearts in the One who holds it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they had known about/ them1×
- so/ he may storm1×
- it is tempestuous1×
- and/ shudder1×
- and/ it will whirl away/ him1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׂעָר֖וּ/ם1×
- נִשְׂעֲרָ֥ה1×
- וִֽ֝/ישָׂעֲרֵ֗/הוּ1×
- וְ/שַׂעֲר֛וּ1×
- וְ/יִשְׂתָּעֵ֨ר1×
Key Verses
-
Job 27:21
The east wind carries him away, and he departs. It sweeps him out of his place.
This verse uses the verb to describe how sudden misfortune sweeps a person away like a wind, highlighting human vulnerability.
-
Psalms 50:3
Our God comes, and does not keep silent. A fire devours before him. It is very stormy around him.
Here the word depicts God’s presence as a fierce storm, emphasizing His overwhelming power and inability to remain silent.
-
Daniel 11:40
“At the time of the end the king of the south will contend with him; and the king of the north will come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, with horsemen, and with many ships. He will enter into the countries, and will overflow and pass through.
The king of the north is compared to a whirlwind using this root, illustrating unstoppable military force and chaos.