probably from סָגַר in the sense of sweeping away; a pouring rain; very rainy.
Transliteration:çagrîyd
Pronunciation:sag-reed'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma סַגְרִיד (çagrîyd), Strong's H5464, carries the core meaning of "a pouring rain" or "very rainy." Its etymological root is suggested to be סָגַר (sagar, `{{H5462}}`), which typically means "to shut up, close, deliver up." However, in the context of סַגְרִיד, the connection to סָגַר is understood not in its primary sense of physical closure, but rather in a derived or metaphorical sense. This secondary meaning implies a force that "sweeps away" or "shuts off" normal conditions, perhaps by its sheer overwhelming presence. Thus, סַגְרִיד describes rain that is not merely precipitation, but a heavy, intense, and possibly oppressive downpour, akin to a deluge that can disrupt or overwhelm. The nuance points to the *intensity* and *persistence* of the rain, making it a significant and inescapable phenomenon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סַגְרִיד (çagrîyd) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Proverbs 27:15]]. The verse reads: "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike."
In this solitary occurrence, סַגְרִיד is used in the phrase יוֹם סַגְרִיר (yom sagrir), meaning "a very rainy day." The proverb employs a striking simile, comparing the relentless and irritating nature of a "continual dropping" (דֶּלֶף, deleph, `{{H1811}}`) on such a day to the equally persistent and vexing presence of a "contentious woman" (אֵשֶׁת מִדְיָנִים, eshet midyanim).
The choice of סַגְרִיד here is crucial. It is not merely a "rainy day," but one characterized by an intense, pouring rain, making the "dropping" or leakage all the more inescapable and annoying. The imagery evokes a sense of being trapped indoors, subjected to an incessant and uncomfortable natural phenomenon. This intense, overwhelming aspect of the rain highlights the equally overwhelming and inescapable nature of a contentious personality, emphasizing the profound discomfort and lack of peace such an individual brings. The context underscores the wisdom literature's focus on the practical consequences of human character and behavior.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Hebrew words relate to סַגְרִיד (çagrîyd) either etymologically or semantically:
* **סָגַר (sagar, `{{H5462}}`):** The proposed root, meaning "to shut up, close, deliver up." While not directly about rain, its metaphorical extension to something that "shuts off" or "overwhelms" due to intensity aligns with the sense of סַגְרִיד.
* **מַטָּר (mattar, `{{H4305}}`):** A general term for "rain" or "shower," often referring to beneficial rain.
* **גֶּשֶׁם (geshem, `{{H1653}}`):** "Rain," frequently used for heavy or abundant rain, sometimes with connotations of blessing or judgment.
* **זֶרֶם (zerem, `{{H2230}}`):** "Flood, deluge, rainstorm," often implying a rushing, destructive force of water. This word shares a semantic field with סַגְרִיד in conveying the idea of overwhelming water.
* **דֶּלֶף (deleph, `{{H1811}}`):** "Dropping, leakage." This term is directly juxtaposed with סַגְרִיד in [[Proverbs 27:15]], highlighting the specific, persistent irritation within the broader context of an overwhelming downpour.
* **Contentiousness:** The concept of an inescapable, irritating, and oppressive presence, as personified by the "contentious woman" in the proverb. This abstract concept is given concrete form through the metaphor of the "very rainy day."
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the theological significance of סַגְרִיד (çagrîyd) in [[Proverbs 27:15]] is profound within the wisdom tradition. God's creation, including natural phenomena like rain, serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding human experience and character. The "very rainy day" represents an inescapable and often uncomfortable reality, a force of nature beyond human control.
The comparison to a "contentious woman" highlights a critical theological principle: certain human behaviors and dispositions can be as relentlessly oppressive and peace-disrupting as an overwhelming natural force. Just as one cannot escape the discomfort of a house leaking during a severe downpour, one cannot easily escape the strife caused by a contentious individual.
This underscores the biblical emphasis on wisdom, peace, and harmonious relationships as essential for a flourishing life. Conversely, it warns against the destructive power of conflict and strife, which can make life unbearable, akin to being trapped in a miserable natural circumstance. The imagery subtly points to the importance of seeking wisdom to navigate and, where possible, mitigate such overwhelming discomforts, whether from nature or human interaction. It reflects a theology that sees divine order reflected in both the natural world and the moral order of human society.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סַגְרִיד (çagrîyd), Strong's H5464, uniquely describes a "pouring rain" or "very rainy" condition, likely implying an overwhelming and pervasive downpour. Its etymological link to סָגַר (`{{H5462}}`) suggests a sense of something that "sweeps away" or "shuts off" normal conditions due to its intensity. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Proverbs 27:15]] vividly compares the relentless irritation of a "continual dropping" during a "very rainy day" to the inescapable annoyance of a contentious person. This powerful metaphor highlights the oppressive and peace-disrupting nature of certain human behaviors, equating them to an uncontrollable and uncomfortable natural phenomenon. Theologically, סַגְרִיד serves as a reminder of the pervasive impact of both natural forces and human character on daily life, underscoring the wisdom tradition's call for peace and the avoidance of strife.
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