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.
Transliteration:mêçab
Pronunciation:may-sab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4524}}` (מֵסַב, *mêçab*) derives from the root `{{H5437}}` (סָבַב, *savav*), meaning "to turn," "to go around," or "to surround." This etymological connection is fundamental to understanding its semantic range. Primarily, `{{H4524}}` refers to something that encircles or encompasses. Its concrete meaning can denote a physical object, such as a "divan" or "couch," specifically one arranged to enclose a space, often for dining. In this sense, it describes the arrangement of seating *around* a table. Abstractly or adverbially, `{{H4524}}` functions to describe a spatial relationship, meaning "around," "round about," or "that which compasses about." This adverbial usage emphasizes the idea of being surrounded or enclosed on all sides. The plural forms, masculine מְסִבִּים (*mesibbim*) and feminine מְסִבּוֹת (*mesibbot*), refer to those who are reclining *around* a table or the arrangements themselves.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H4524}}` appears in various contexts, predominantly describing architectural features or arrangements.
In the descriptions of Solomon's Temple, the word frequently emphasizes decorative or structural elements that encircle:
* [[1 Kings 6:29]] speaks of "carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, all around (מֵסַב)" the walls of the temple, highlighting the pervasive nature of the divine artistry.
* [[1 Kings 7:24]] and [[2 Chronicles 4:3]] describe the "gourds all around (מֵסַב)" the brim of the molten sea, a large bronze basin, indicating its ornate, encompassing decoration.
* [[1 Kings 7:35]] refers to a "round band (מֵסַב)" on the stands for the lavers, signifying an encircling rim.
The prophet Ezekiel uses `{{H4524}}` extensively in his visionary descriptions of the new temple, reinforcing the concept of surrounding structures and boundaries:
* [[Ezekiel 41:7]] mentions the "encircling structure (מֵסַב)" of the temple, indicating its complex, multi-layered design.
* [[Ezekiel 41:11]] and [[Ezekiel 41:12]] refer to spaces and walls "all around (מֵסַב)," emphasizing the meticulous layout and defined boundaries of the sacred complex.
* [[Ezekiel 42:12]] further uses it to describe a "wall all around (מֵסַב)" in front of the separate yard, underscoring the precise and encompassing nature of the temple's architecture.
Beyond architectural contexts, `{{H4524}}` also describes human arrangements:
* [[2 Kings 11:8]] uses it adverbially in a military command: "And you shall surround (מֵסַב) the king, each with his weapons in his hand," indicating a protective encirclement.
* [[Esther 1:5]] uses the plural form (מְסִבִּים, *mesibbim*) in the context of a royal feast, referring to "those reclining" or "those at table." This usage points to the customary arrangement of banquets where guests reclined on couches or divans arranged around a central table, fostering a sense of shared space and intimacy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H4524}}` is its root verb, `{{H5437}}` (סָבַב, *savav*), which captures the fundamental action of turning, going around, or surrounding. This root forms the basis for a family of words conveying circularity, enclosure, or pervasive presence. Another closely related term is `{{H5439}}` (סָבִיב, *saviv*), an adverb frequently translated as "around," "round about," or "on every side." While `{{H5439}}` is a more general adverb for "around," `{{H4524}}` often carries the nuance of a specific arrangement or a structural element that provides the encircling. Conceptually, `{{H4524}}` evokes ideas of completeness, order, boundary, protection, and communal gathering. Its usage in architectural descriptions aligns with concepts of sacred space and divine design, while its application to feasting highlights fellowship and shared experience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4524}}` is multifaceted, stemming from its various applications:
1. **Divine Order and Completeness:** Its frequent appearance in descriptions of the Temple and its furnishings (1 Kings, Ezekiel) underscores the meticulous design and perfect order inherent in God's dwelling place. The "all around" aspect signifies wholeness, thoroughness, and the pervasive presence of God's glory within His sacred space. This speaks to the divine architect's attention to every detail, ensuring a complete and perfect sanctuary.
2. **Protection and Enclosure:** When describing walls or protective formations (e.g., [[2 Kings 11:8]]), `{{H4524}}` implies security and the setting apart of something valuable. In the context of the Temple, the surrounding elements signify the holiness of the space, protected and separated from the profane, emphasizing God's sovereign presence that encompasses and guards His people.
3. **Communion and Fellowship:** The use of `{{H4524}}` in [[Esther 1:5]] to describe the arrangement for feasting points to the communal aspect of gathering. Reclining "at table" together symbolizes intimacy, shared experience, and fellowship. Theologically, this can be extended to the concept of the covenant meal, the fellowship of believers, or the ultimate eschatological banquet in God's presence, where all are gathered "around" Him.
4. **Pervasive Presence:** Whether describing carvings, structures, or people, the "all around" nature of `{{H4524}}` can subtly convey the idea of an omnipresent reality—be it the beauty of divine craftsmanship or the encompassing presence of the King, earthly or heavenly.
### Summary
`{{H4524}}` (מֵסַב, *mêçab*) is a Hebrew term rooted in the concept of surrounding or encompassing. Its semantic range extends from concrete objects like a "divan" or "couch" arranged for dining, to an adverbial sense meaning "around" or "all around." Biblical occurrences predominantly describe architectural features and decorations that encircle structures, particularly in the Temple narratives of Kings and Ezekiel, emphasizing divine order, meticulous design, and sacred boundaries. In the book of Esther, it refers to the arrangement of guests reclining "at table," highlighting communal gathering and fellowship. Theologically, `{{H4524}}` speaks to the completeness and perfection of God's creation and sacred spaces, the protective nature of His presence, and the intimacy of communion in His presence. It consistently conveys the idea of an encompassing reality, whether physical or relational.
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