or סֻס; from an unused root meaning to skip (properly, for joy); a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight); crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare פָּרָשׁ.
Transliteration:çûwç
Pronunciation:soos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma סוּס (çûwç), Strong's number `{{H5483}}`, originates from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to skip," particularly "for joy." This etymological root suggests an underlying concept of agile, energetic, and perhaps even exuberant movement. The primary and most frequent meaning of סוּס is "horse," understood as an animal characterized by its leaping or skipping gait. Beyond its primary equine definition, the word also extends its semantic range to include "swallow" (due to its rapid, darting flight) and, by extension, "crane," likely also referencing the swift or distinctive movement of these birds. The definition further indicates that סוּס can be used in compound forms or as a synecdoche to refer to "horseback" or "horse-hoof," underscoring its close association with cavalry and movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The vast majority of occurrences of סוּס refer to a "horse." Contextually, its usage reveals several significant themes:
* **Military Power and Warfare:** The horse was an indispensable component of ancient military might, particularly in chariotry and cavalry. It frequently appears in descriptions of battles, armies, and military preparations, symbolizing strength and conquest. Examples include the Egyptian army's pursuit of Israel ([[Exodus 14:9]], [[Exodus 15:19]]) and the formidable military buildup under King Solomon, who amassed a vast number of horses and chariots ([[1 Kings 4:26]], [[1 Kings 10:26]]).
* **Royal Grandeur and National Pride:** The acquisition and display of horses were often indicative of a nation's wealth, prestige, and perceived invincibility. However, this reliance on military strength was often viewed with divine disapproval, as seen in the prohibition against multiplying horses for the king ([[Deuteronomy 17:16]]) and prophetic warnings against trusting in them ([[Isaiah 31:1]]).
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** Paradoxically, while horses symbolize human power, they are also depicted as instruments of divine judgment and sovereign will. Prophetic visions, such as those in Zechariah, portray horses of various colors executing God's purposes ([[Zechariah 1:8]], [[Zechariah 6:1-8]]).
* **Contrast with Divine Deliverance:** A recurring theological motif is the contrast between human reliance on horses and chariots versus trust in the Lord. Passages like [[Psalm 20:7]] and [[Psalm 33:17]] explicitly state that "a horse is a vain hope for deliverance" and that God "delights not in the strength of the horse" ([[Psalm 147:10]]), emphasizing that salvation comes from YHWH alone.
* **Non-Equine Usage:** The less common usage of סוּס referring to birds is found in [[Isaiah 38:14]], where Hezekiah laments, "Like a swallow or a crane, so did I chirp." Here, the word refers to the distinctive sound or rapid movement of these birds, illustrating human distress or lamentation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **פָּרָשׁ (pārāš) `{{H6571}}`:** This word is explicitly mentioned in the base definition as a comparison. While סוּס denotes the animal "horse," פָּרָשׁ typically refers to a "horseman" or "cavalryman," or by extension, a "cavalry unit." This highlights the practical military application of the horse.
* **רֶכֶב (rekeb) `{{H7393}}`:** Meaning "chariot" or "chariotry," this word is intrinsically linked to סוּס, as horses were the primary means of propulsion for chariots in ancient warfare and transport.
* **סוּסָה (sûsāh) `{{H5484}}`:** The feminine form of סוּס, meaning "mare."
* **אֶבְיוֹן (ʾeḇyôn) `{{H34}}` / עָנִי (ʿānî) `{{H6041}}`:** "Poor," "afflicted." These words represent the antithesis of the powerful, horse-dependent king or nation, embodying those who must rely solely on God's provision and protection.
* **מִצְרַיִם (Miṣrayim) `{{H4714}}`:** "Egypt." Egypt was a primary source of horses for Israel, and reliance on Egyptian horses often symbolized a lack of trust in God and a forbidden political alliance ([[Isaiah 31:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of סוּס is profound and multifaceted. Primarily, the horse serves as a potent symbol of human power, military might, and self-reliance. Its frequent appearance in contexts of warfare and royal display underscores humanity's tendency to place its trust in tangible strength rather than in the invisible God. The Mosaic Law's prohibition against the king multiplying horses ([[Deuteronomy 17:16]]) and the prophetic condemnations of relying on Egyptian horses ([[Isaiah 31:1]]) are clear theological statements: true security and victory do not come from military armaments or foreign alliances, but from unwavering faith in YHWH.
Conversely, the Scriptures assert God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the most powerful instruments of human warfare. The Lord "delights not in the strength of the horse" ([[Psalm 147:10]]), demonstrating that human might is inconsequential before divine power. Indeed, horses are often depicted as instruments of God's own purposes, whether for judgment or for the advancement of His kingdom, as seen in the prophetic visions of Zechariah and the apocalyptic imagery of Revelation, where Christ himself rides a white horse as a symbol of victorious conquest ([[Revelation 19:11]]). The ultimate theological contrast is perhaps most clearly seen in the Messiah's humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey ([[Zechariah 9:9]]), intentionally subverting the expectation of a conquering king mounted on a warhorse, thereby signifying a kingdom of peace, humility, and spiritual authority rather than worldly might.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סוּס (çûwç) `{{H5483}}` primarily denotes "horse," stemming from a root suggesting agile, joyful movement. While occasionally referring to a "swallow" or "crane," its dominant biblical usage is in the context of equines. The horse in the Old Testament is a powerful and pervasive symbol of human military strength, national pride, and self-reliance. It frequently appears in narratives of warfare, royal power, and international relations, often serving as a tangible representation of humanity's misplaced trust in its own capabilities rather than in God. Theologically, the Scriptures consistently contrast reliance on horses and chariots with the imperative to trust solely in YHWH for deliverance and security. This tension highlights the divine disapproval of human arrogance and self-sufficiency. Ultimately, even when horses are depicted as formidable forces, they are shown to be under the absolute control of God, serving as instruments of His sovereign will, whether for judgment or the establishment of His kingdom. The imagery of סוּס thus profoundly underscores the biblical principle that true power and salvation reside not in created might, but exclusively in the Creator.
TRV