from שָׂבַע; satisfaction (of food or (figuratively) joy); fill, full(-ness), satisfying, be satisfied.
Transliteration:sôbaʻ
Pronunciation:so'-bah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שֹׂבַע (sôbaʻ, `{{H7648}}`) derives directly from the verb שָׂבַע (sāḇaʻ, `{{H7646}}`), meaning "to be satisfied, full, or satiated." At its core, שֹׂבַע denotes a state of "satisfaction" or "fullness." Its semantic range extends from the literal physical satiety, particularly concerning food and drink, to more figurative senses such as abundance, plenty, and even contentment or joy. While often referring to a positive state of having enough, the term can also carry a negative connotation, implying surfeit, excess, or even the spiritual dangers that accompany material prosperity. It encompasses the complete opposite of hunger or lack, signifying a state where needs or desires are met to the point of being completely filled.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שֹׂבַע (sôbaʻ, `{{H7648}}`) appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, predominantly reflecting its core meaning of physical or material fullness.
In [[Proverbs 27:7]], the phrase "a full soul" (נֶפֶשׁ שׂבֵעָה - *nephesh sove'ah*) describes a person satiated with food, to the point of disdaining even something as sweet as honeycomb. This illustrates the literal sense of physical fullness leading to a lack of desire.
Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 44:17]], the rebellious Israelites recall their time of idolatry, stating, "for then had we plenty of victuals" (וְשׂוֹבַע לֶחֶם - *vᵉsovaʻ leḥem*), where שֹׂבַע clearly refers to an abundance of food. This passage highlights how material fullness can be mistakenly attributed to false gods or lead to spiritual complacency and rebellion.
The prophet Ezekiel uses שֹׂבַע to describe the sin of Sodom in [[Ezekiel 16:49]], listing "fullness of bread" (שׂוֹבַע לֶחֶם - *sovaʻ leḥem*) as one of her iniquities, alongside pride and idleness. Here, the abundance of provisions led to spiritual arrogance and neglect of the needy, demonstrating the negative consequences of unchecked physical plenty.
In [[Ecclesiastes 5:12]], the "abundance" (שׂוֹבַע - *sovaʻ*) of the rich is presented as something that prevents sleep, contrasting with the peaceful slumber of the laborer. This usage points to the burdensome or unsettling nature that excessive material fullness can bring.
In [[Ezekiel 28:16]], in a lament over the king of Tyre, his downfall is attributed to the "multitude of thy merchandise" (מֵרֹב שׂוֹבַע מַרְכֻלָּתֵךְ - *merov sovaʻ markullatekh*), where שֹׂבַע signifies an overwhelming abundance of trade goods, which led to violence and sin. This instance again underscores the potential for material fullness to corrupt.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root שָׂבַע (sāḇaʻ, `{{H7646}}`), from which שֹׂבַע (sôbaʻ, `{{H7648}}`) is derived. This verb means "to be satisfied, to be full, to have enough." Other related concepts and words often appear in contrast or conjunction with שֹׂבַע:
* **Antonyms:** Hunger (רָעָב - raʻav, `{{H7458}}`), thirst, lack, emptiness, want, scarcity. The biblical narrative frequently contrasts states of famine and scarcity with periods of divine provision and fullness.
* **Synonyms/Associated Concepts:**
* Abundance (רֹב - rov, `{{H7230}}`; שֶׁפַע - shephaʻ, `{{H8228}}`): Terms signifying a great quantity or overflowing supply.
* Blessing (בְּרָכָה - bᵉrakah, `{{H1293}}`): Often the source of material fullness, signifying divine favor and provision.
* Contentment: While שֹׂבַע can lead to contentment, it is not always guaranteed, as seen in the negative examples where fullness leads to pride or unrest.
These related terms highlight the broader biblical discourse on prosperity, human desire, and divine provision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שֹׂבַע (sôbaʻ, `{{H7648}}`) is multifaceted.
Firstly, it often points to **God's bounteous provision**. The Lord is consistently portrayed as the one who fills the hungry and satisfies the needs of His creation ([[Psalm 104:28]], [[Psalm 145:16]]). The promised land was a land flowing with milk and honey, a place of sôbaʻ, signifying God's covenant faithfulness to His people ([[Deuteronomy 8:7-9]]).
Secondly, שֹׂבַע carries a significant **warning against the dangers of prosperity and forgetfulness**. As seen in the examples of Sodom and rebellious Israel, material fullness, when not accompanied by humility and remembrance of God, can lead to pride, self-sufficiency, and apostasy ([[Deuteronomy 8:10-14]]). The abundance that should inspire gratitude can instead foster spiritual apathy and moral decay.
Thirdly, the concept of sôbaʻ often serves as a **contrast to true spiritual satisfaction**. While physical sôbaʻ can be fleeting or even detrimental, the Bible emphasizes a deeper, spiritual hunger that can only be satisfied by God's presence, His word, and His righteousness ([[Psalm 42:1-2]], [[Matthew 5:6]]). True fullness and joy are found in communion with the Divine, not in material possessions.
Finally, sôbaʻ anticipates **eschatological hope**. In the messianic age, there is a promise of ultimate satisfaction and fullness, not merely physical, but spiritual and eternal, in God's presence and kingdom ([[Psalm 16:11]], [[Isaiah 25:6]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word שֹׂבַע (sôbaʻ, `{{H7648}}`), derived from the verb שָׂבַע (sāḇaʻ, `{{H7646}}`), signifies "satisfaction" or "fullness." Its primary meaning relates to physical satiety, particularly concerning food and abundance, but it extends to figurative senses of plenty and even joy. Biblically, sôbaʻ frequently illustrates God's generous provision for His people, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness. However, it also serves as a potent warning against the spiritual perils of unchecked material prosperity, showing how abundance can lead to pride, forgetfulness of God, and moral degradation, as exemplified by Sodom and rebellious Israel. The theological discourse surrounding sôbaʻ ultimately contrasts temporary physical fullness with the enduring spiritual satisfaction found only in God, pointing towards an ultimate, eternal sôbaʻ in His presence.
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