plural masculine מְסִבִּים; or feminine מְסִבּוֹת; from סָבַב; a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around; that compass about, (place) round about, at table.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mêçab**, represented by `{{H4524}}`, carries the meaning of being "round about" or encompassing a space. It can refer to a physical setting like a **table** or divan that encloses a room, or it can be used adverbially to mean "around." It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, indicating a specific but significant role in describing settings and situations of surrounding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4524}}` is applied to diverse contexts. In Solomon's temple, it describes the comprehensive nature of the decorations, where he **carved** all the walls of the **house** `{{H1004}}` **round about** `{{H4524}}` with figures [[1 Kings 6:29]]. It is also used to denote a place of fellowship, where the **king** `{{H4428}}` sits at his **table** `{{H4524}}` [[Song of Solomon 1:12]]. In a broader sense, it defines the geographic extent of idolatry in the "places **round about**" `{{H4524}}` Jerusalem [[2 Kings 23:5]], and describes the threatening presence of enemies who **compass... about** `{{H4524}}` the psalmist [[Psalms 140:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H4524}}` is found:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This word provides the physical structure, such as Solomon's temple, where **mêçab** is used to describe the encompassing nature of the carvings on the walls [[1 Kings 6:29]].
* `{{H7023}}` **qîyr** (wall): The wall is the specific surface that is decorated **round about** `{{H4524}}` in the temple, highlighting the totality of the design [[1 Kings 6:29]].
* `{{H8458}}` **tachbulâh** (counsels): This word links the idea of "round about" to divine guidance, as creation is "turned **round about**" by God's **counsels** `{{H8458}}`, showing His sovereign plan encompassing all events [[Job 37:12]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (head): This term is used for the **head** of those who "compass... about" `{{H4524}}` the psalmist, connecting the concept of surrounding to a personal, hostile threat [[Psalms 140:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4524}}` is revealed in its application across different domains:
* **Architectural Totality:** The use of **mêçab** in the construction of the temple signifies a complete and all-encompassing holiness. The carvings **round about** `{{H4524}}` the walls, both **within** `{{H6441}}` and **without** `{{H2435}}`, suggest that every part of the sacred space was set apart [[1 Kings 6:29]].
* **Sovereign Control:** In Job, the word illustrates God's absolute command over the natural world. Natural phenomena are "turned **round about**" `{{H4524}}` by His **counsels** `{{H8458}}`, demonstrating that His purposes direct and surround all of creation [[Job 37:12]].
* **Pervasive Influence:** The term is used to describe the extent of both good and evil. It can define the intimate setting of a king's **table** `{{H4524}}` [[Song of Solomon 1:12]], but also the pervasive spread of idolatry in the places **round about** `{{H4524}}` Jerusalem [[2 Kings 23:5]] and the threatening encirclement by enemies [[Psalms 140:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4524}}` is a versatile word that conveys the concept of surrounding or encompassing. While its occurrences are few, it is used to describe the totality of architectural design, the scope of divine sovereignty, the geographical reach of human action, and the nature of personal relationships, whether in intimate fellowship at a **table** or under threat from those who **compass... about**. It effectively defines the boundaries and completeness of a given space or situation.
TRV