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.
Transliteration:sᵉʼêth
Pronunciation:seh-ayth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שְׂאֵת (sᵉʼêth), Strong's number `{{H7613}}`, is derived from the verbal root נָשָׂא (nasa', `{{H5375}}`), which fundamentally means "to lift," "to carry," or "to bear." This etymological connection provides the core semantic range for sᵉʼêth, encompassing various forms of "elevation" or "lifting."
Its primary meanings include:
1. **Physical Elevation:** A "rising," "swelling," or "protuberance." This is most evident in its use in the context of skin diseases.
2. **Figurative Elevation (Positive):**
* **Dignity, Majesty, Exaltation:** A state of being lifted in rank, status, or character, often referring to honor or high position.
* **Acceptance, Favor:** The act or state of being "lifted up" in approval or favor by another, particularly God.
* **Cheerfulness, Elation:** A lifting of the spirit or countenance.
3. **Figurative Elevation (Less Common/Specific):**
* A "brandishing" or "uprising" in battle, implying a lifting of weapons or a rising up against an enemy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of שְׂאֵת (sᵉʼêth) reveal its diverse applications:
* **Levitical Law (Physical Swelling):** In the Book of Leviticus, sᵉʼêth is a technical term used extensively in the diagnosis of various skin conditions, particularly those suspected of being *tzara'at* (often translated as leprosy). Here, it consistently refers to a "swelling" or "rising" on the skin, a key diagnostic sign for the priests.
* [[Leviticus 13:2]]: "When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a case of leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest..."
* [[Leviticus 13:10]], [[Leviticus 13:19]], [[Leviticus 13:27]], [[Leviticus 13:43]]: These verses reiterate the significance of the "swelling" as a distinguishing feature of the disease. This usage underscores a physical manifestation that requires careful discernment and ritual separation.
* **Divine Acceptance and Favor (Genesis):** One of the most profound uses appears in the narrative of Cain and Abel.
* [[Genesis 4:7]]: "If you do well, will you not have a **sᵉʼêth**? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Here, sᵉʼêth clearly means "acceptance" or "favor." God promises Cain that righteous conduct will lead to divine approval and a lifted countenance, contrasting with the downcast face of one rejected. This verse establishes a foundational principle of divine response to human action.
* **Majesty and Dignity (Job, Psalm, Isaiah):** The term also conveys concepts of exalted status, majesty, or dignity, whether divine or powerful.
* [[Job 13:11]]: "Will not His **sᵉʼêth** (majesty/dignity) terrify you? And will not dread of Him fall upon you?" This refers to the overwhelming and awe-inspiring majesty of God.
* [[Job 41:25]] (Hebrew 41:17): "When he raises himself up, the mighty are afraid; they are beside themselves because of his **sᵉʼêth** (exaltation/dignity)." Here, it describes the terrifying exaltation and power of Leviathan.
* [[Psalm 62:4]] (Hebrew 62:5): "They only plan to thrust him down from his **sᵉʼêth** (dignity/high position); they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah." This speaks of human enemies seeking to diminish or overthrow one's high standing.
* [[Isaiah 2:19]], [[Isaiah 2:21]]: "for the **sᵉʼêth** (terror/majesty) of the Lord and for the glory of His majesty, when He rises to terrify the earth." In these eschatological passages, sᵉʼêth describes the terrifying and glorious majesty of God's appearance in judgment.
* **Uprising/Brandishing in Battle (Isaiah):**
* [[Isaiah 30:32]]: "And every stroke of the appointed staff, which the Lord will lay on him, will be with tambourines and lyres; and in battles of **sᵉʼêth** (brandishing/uprising) He will fight with them." This refers to the "lifting" or "brandishing" of the staff in divine judgment or a "rising up" in battle.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for שְׂאֵת (sᵉʼêth) is its root verb נָשָׂא (nasa', `{{H5375}}`). This verb is extraordinarily rich in meaning, encompassing:
* To lift, carry, bear, take up, take away.
* To support, endure.
* To forgive (to "lift" away sin).
* To accept (to "lift up" one's face in favor).
The semantic field of sᵉʼêth thus intersects with concepts such as:
* **Glory and Honor:** Often conveyed by words like כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`), which also denotes weight or substance, suggesting inherent worth.
* **Purity and Impurity:** Particularly in the Levitical context, where a "swelling" indicates potential ritual impurity requiring priestly discernment and separation.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The majesty of God (sᵉʼêth) implies His ultimate authority and the terrifying nature of His righteous judgment.
* **Righteousness and Blessing:** The link between doing well and receiving "acceptance" (sᵉʼêth) in [[Genesis 4:7]] ties into the broader biblical theme of covenant faithfulness leading to blessing.
* **Humiliation and Exaltation:** The contrast between being "lifted up" in dignity and being "thrust down" from one's position (as in Psalm 62) highlights the transient nature of human status and the divine prerogative in raising or abasing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שְׂאֵת (sᵉʼêth) is multifaceted, touching upon God's character, human responsibility, and the nature of sin and redemption.
1. **Divine Acceptance and Human Responsibility:** The profound statement in [[Genesis 4:7]] reveals a foundational theological principle: God's favor (sᵉʼêth) is extended to those who "do well." This establishes a direct link between righteous conduct and divine approval, emphasizing human moral agency and accountability. Cain's failure to "rule over" sin resulted in the loss of this promised "acceptance," leading to tragic consequences. This highlights God's justice and His desire for humanity to walk in obedience.
2. **The Awe-Inspiring Majesty of God:** In passages like Job and Isaiah, sᵉʼêth profoundly describes the terrifying and glorious majesty of the Lord. This aspect underscores God's transcendence, His immense power, and His ultimate authority over creation and history. It evokes a sense of reverential fear and submission, reminding humanity of its finite nature before an infinite God.
3. **The Reality of Impurity and Brokenness:** The consistent use of sᵉʼêth in Leviticus to denote a "swelling" indicative of *tzara'at* points to the physical manifestations of a fallen world. While not always directly linked to individual sin, these conditions symbolized impurity and separation from the community of God. This usage subtly highlights the need for divine intervention, cleansing, and restoration for a broken humanity.
4. **The Dynamic of Exaltation and Humiliation:** The word captures the spectrum from high dignity to potential fall. It reminds us that all human glory and status are ultimately dependent on God. Those who seek to "thrust down" another from their sᵉʼêth (Psalm 62:4) engage in an act contrary to God's design, who alone has the power to exalt or abase.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שְׂאֵת (sᵉʼêth, `{{H7613}}`), derived from the verb נָשָׂא (nasa', `{{H5375}}`), is a rich and versatile term signifying various forms of "elevation" or "lifting." Its semantic range extends from literal physical "swellings" (as in the Levitical laws concerning skin diseases, e.g., [[Leviticus 13:2]]) to profound figurative meanings.
Theologically, sᵉʼêth illuminates:
* **Divine Acceptance:** It signifies God's favor and approval bestowed upon those who act righteously, as seen in the promise to Cain in [[Genesis 4:7]].
* **God's Majesty:** It describes the awe-inspiring, terrifying dignity and power of the Lord (e.g., [[Job 13:11]], [[Isaiah 2:19]]), demanding reverence and submission.
* **Human Condition:** In its literal sense, it points to the physical brokenness and impurity that required priestly discernment and ritual separation, symbolizing the need for cleansing.
* **The Nature of Exaltation:** It speaks to the dignity and high position that can be attained or lost, highlighting the transient nature of human status and the ultimate sovereignty of God in exalting or humbling.
In essence, sᵉʼêth encapsulates the dynamic of being "lifted up"—whether physically, in status, in spirit, or in divine favor—and thus serves as a powerful descriptor of both human experience and divine attributes within the biblical narrative.
TRV