from נָשָׂא; an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character; be accepted, dignity, excellency, highness, raise up self, rising.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sᵉʼêth**, represented by `{{H7613}}`, carries a dual meaning of elevation, both in status and as a physical affliction. It appears **14 times** in **13 unique verses**. The term is derived from a root meaning to lift up, and it can signify **dignity**, **excellency**, and **highness**, or refer to a **rising** on the skin, such as a **leprous scab**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7613}}` is applied in two distinct contexts. It denotes honor and prominence, as in God's question to Cain: "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be **accepted**?" [[Genesis 4:7]]. It also describes the **dignity** of Reuben's birthright [[Genesis 49:3]] and the fearsome **excellency** and **highness** of God ([[Job 13:11]], [[Job 31:23]]). Conversely, in the book of Leviticus, the word consistently refers to a physical **rising** on the skin, a primary sign used by priests to diagnose a **plague** `{{H5061}}` of **leprosy** `{{H6883}}` ([[Leviticus 13:2]], [[Leviticus 13:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the two main applications of `{{H7613}}`:
* `{{H3190}}` **yâṭab** (to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right); be accepted): This word is directly tied to the concept of acceptance in [[Genesis 4:7]], where doing **well** `{{H3190}}` is the condition for being **accepted** `{{H7613}}`.
* `{{H3499}}` **yether** (an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder... excellancy(-ent)): This term is used in parallel with `{{H7613}}` to emphasize rank and superiority in Jacob's blessing for Reuben, describing him as having "the **excellency** `{{H3499}}` of **dignity** `{{H7613}}`" [[Genesis 49:3]].
* `{{H6883}}` **tsâraʻath** (leprosy): This term defines the disease context where `{{H7613}}` is used as a diagnostic sign. A **rising** `{{H7613}}` on the skin was a key indicator of **leprosy** `{{H6883}}`, requiring priestly examination [[Leviticus 13:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and thematic weight of `{{H7613}}` is seen in its contrasting meanings.
* **Conditional Acceptance:** Its first appearance establishes a fundamental principle: acceptance and being "lifted up" are linked to righteous action. God's dialogue with Cain connects doing **well** `{{H3190}}` with being **accepted** `{{H7613}}`, while failing to do so leaves one vulnerable to sin [[Genesis 4:7]].
* **Divine Majesty:** The word is used to express the awesome and terrifying **highness** of God, which inspires **dread** `{{H6343}}` and fear in humanity ([[Job 13:11]], [[Job 31:23]]). This highlights the unapproachable exaltation of the divine character.
* **Physical Manifestation of Uncleanness:** In Levitical law, a **rising** `{{H7613}}` is not merely a medical symptom but a potential sign of ritual uncleanness associated with **leprosy** `{{H6883}}`. This connects the physical body to one's standing within the covenant community.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7613}}` is a powerful word that encapsulates the concept of being "lifted up" in both positive and negative ways. It can signify the highest **dignity**, **excellency**, or divine **highness**, while also describing the physical **rising** of a dreaded disease. This duality illustrates a biblical connection between moral standing, physical condition, and one's relationship to both God and the community.
TRV