lemma סַאסְאָה missing dagesh, corrected to סַאסְּאָה; for סְאָה; measurement, i.e. moderation; measure.
Transliteration:çaʼçᵉʼâh
Pronunciation:sah-seh-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5432 (סַאסְּאָה, *çaʼçᵉʼâh*) is a rare and significant word, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible. Its core meaning is closely tied to its etymological root, H5430 (סְאָה, *seʼah*), which denotes a specific dry measure, typically one-third of an ephah. The doubling of the root consonants in H5432 suggests an intensification or a more abstract application of the concept of "measure." While H5430 refers to a concrete unit of volume, H5432 extends this notion to convey "measurement" in a qualitative sense, specifically implying "moderation," "just measure," or "proportion." This semantic range highlights the idea of a controlled, precise, and non-excessive application of force or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of H5432 is found in [[Isaiah 27:8]]: "In measure (בְּסַאסְּאָה) by sending her away, you contend with her; He removes her with His fierce wind in the day of the east wind."
The context of Isaiah 27 describes God's future judgment and restoration of Israel. Verse 8 specifically addresses the manner of God's contention with His people. The phrase "בְּסַאסְּאָה" (bə·çaʼçᵉʼâh), translated as "by measure" or "in just measure," is crucial. It indicates that even when God contends with His people, sending them into exile ("sending her away") or removing them through the "fierce wind" of judgment, His actions are not arbitrary, uncontrolled, or excessive. Rather, His discipline is meted out with divine precision and proportionality. This verse offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's judgment, emphasizing its controlled and just application, even when it involves severe consequences. It underscores that God's wrath, while real and impactful, is always calibrated according to His perfect wisdom and righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to H5430 (סְאָה, *seʼah*), from which H5432 is derived. This connection establishes the foundational concept of a "measure" as a fixed, quantifiable unit, which is then extended metaphorically in H5432 to denote a controlled and just application.
The concept embedded in H5432 also resonates with broader biblical themes of divine justice and proportionality. This includes:
* H4941 (מִשְׁפָּט, *mishpat*): "justice," "judgment," implying a righteous standard by which actions are weighed.
* H3256 (יָסַר, *yasar*): "to discipline," "to instruct," often referring to God's corrective actions toward His people, which are inherently purposeful and measured.
* The principle of "measure for measure" (middah k’neged middah), a rabbinic concept reflecting the biblical idea that God's retribution or reward often corresponds precisely to the nature of the deed.
* References to God's sovereignty over natural forces (like the "fierce wind" or "east wind" in [[Isaiah 27:8]]), which are instruments of His measured will, not random occurrences.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H5432 in [[Isaiah 27:8]] carries immense theological weight, powerfully articulating a foundational truth about God's character: His judgment is always *measured*. This word refutes any notion of a capricious, unrestrained, or excessively punitive deity. Even in His righteous contention and the application of severe discipline, God operates with divine precision and calibrated moderation.
This concept offers profound comfort and assurance to the faithful. It teaches that God's discipline, while it may be painful and involve significant loss (like exile), is never without purpose and is always limited by His divine wisdom and love. It is designed to bring about repentance, purification, and ultimately, restoration, rather than annihilation. The "fierce wind" is not an act of uncontrolled rage but an instrument of His just and measured will. Thus, H5432 serves as a potent reminder of God's perfect justice, His unwavering sovereignty, and His profound proportionality in all His dealings with humanity, even amidst the most severe judgments.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5432 (סַאסְּאָה, *çaʼçᵉʼâh*), derived from H5430 (סְאָה, *seʼah*, a dry measure), is uniquely found in [[Isaiah 27:8]]. Its meaning, "by measure" or "in just measure," provides a profound insight into the nature of God's judgment. This word underscores that even when God "contends" with His people or sends severe discipline, His actions are characterized by divine precision, calibration, and moderation. It teaches that God's wrath is never arbitrary or excessive, but always proportionate, purposeful, and controlled by His perfect justice and wisdom. H5432 thus serves as a powerful affirmation of God's sovereign control and righteous proportionality in all His interactions with humanity, assuring us that even in judgment, His character remains perfectly just and wise.
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