### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H7653 (שִׂבְעָה, sibʻâh) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root `{{H7646}}` (שָׂבַע, sabaʻ), which signifies "to be satisfied," "to be full," or "to have enough." As a noun, sibʻâh denotes the state or condition of "satiety" or "fulness." It describes the experience of having one's needs, particularly those related to physical sustenance, completely met. Beyond mere physical repletion, its semantic range extends to encompass a sense of abundance, sufficiency, and a state where nothing more is desired or needed. It inherently stands in contrast to states of hunger, lack, or emptiness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7653 (שִׂבְעָה, sibʻâh) appears uniquely in the Hebrew Bible in [[Proverbs 27:7]]: "The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet." In this singular occurrence, sibʻâh is used in the construct phrase נֶפֶשׁ שִׂבְעָה (*nephesh sibʻâh*), translated as "the full soul." This "fulness" is not merely physical repletion but extends to a psychological or spiritual state of having more than enough. The proverb contrasts this state of satiety with hunger, illustrating a profound truth about human perception and appreciation. When one is satiated, even something inherently desirable and sweet like honeycomb becomes unappealing, perhaps due to overindulgence or a lack of genuine need. Conversely, for the hungry, even bitter things are palatable, highlighting the transformative power of genuine need and the value placed on even meager provision in times of scarcity. The use of nephesh (soul/self) alongside sibʻâh suggests that this repletion affects one's entire being, influencing desire, perception, and gratitude. It speaks to a condition of the inner person, not just the physical body.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H7646}}` (שָׂבַע, sabaʻ):** The foundational verbal root, meaning "to be satisfied," "to be full," or "to have enough." This root is pervasive throughout the Old Testament, describing both physical and spiritual satisfaction.
* **`{{H7647}}` (שָׂבָע, sabaʻ):** The masculine noun form of the root, also meaning "satiety" or "abundance," frequently used in contexts of plenty, especially of food, as seen in the years of "great plenty" in Egypt ([[Genesis 41:29]], [[Genesis 41:30]]).
* **`{{H7648}}` (שֹׂבַע, sobaʻ):** Another masculine noun from the same root, similarly conveying "fulness" or "abundance," often referring to an overflowing supply.
* **Concepts of Provision and Blessing:** sibʻâh is intimately linked to the biblical themes of divine provision, blessing, and the satisfaction of needs. It stands in stark opposition to concepts such as hunger, famine, lack, and want, which often serve as metaphors for spiritual deprivation.
* **Contentment vs. Discontentment:** The state of sibʻâh can lead to either genuine contentment (when viewed as a gift from God) or, as highlighted in [[Proverbs 27:7]], a paradoxical lack of appreciation or even disdain for blessings due to overabundance.
### Theological Significance
While H7653 itself appears only once, its underlying root `{{H7646}}` (שָׂבַע) carries significant theological weight throughout Scripture. God is consistently depicted as the One who "satisfies" or "fills" His people. The concept of sibʻâh (fulness/satiety) points to God's abundant provision, revealing Him as a God not of scarcity but of overflowing grace and supply, both physically (e.g., manna in the wilderness, [[Exodus 16:12]]) and spiritually (e.g., satisfying the longing soul, [[Psalm 107:9]]).
The proverb in [[Proverbs 27:7]] serves as a profound theological warning. It highlights the spiritual danger inherent in satiety or overabundance, which can lead to a loss of gratitude, a dulling of spiritual appetite, and an inability to appreciate God's simple, yet profound, blessings. When the "soul is full" in an earthly sense, it can become spiritually complacent, valuing less what it already possesses and potentially even despising the very things that once sustained it. This resonates with the New Testament warning against the deceitfulness of riches ([[Matthew 13:22]]). Conversely, a state of spiritual "hunger" can lead to a deeper appreciation for God's Word and His presence, making even seemingly "bitter" experiences (like trials or discipline) palatable and beneficial because they lead to greater dependence on Him. This echoes the beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" ([[Matthew 5:6]]). Thus, sibʻâh, while a descriptor of a physical state, implicitly carries a spiritual lesson about the posture of the heart towards God's provision and the potential pitfalls of earthly abundance.
### Summary
H7653 (שִׂבְעָה, sibʻâh) is a rare Hebrew noun meaning "satiety" or "fulness," derived from the widespread root `{{H7646}}` (שָׂבַע). Its sole appearance in [[Proverbs 27:7]] profoundly illustrates the paradox of the "full soul" (נֶפֶשׁ שִׂבְעָה) that "loatheth an honeycomb," contrasting with the hungry soul that finds even bitter things sweet. This highlights that an abundance of earthly blessings, if not received with a grateful heart, can lead to spiritual complacency and a diminished appreciation for God's goodness. Theologically, sibʻâh serves as a cautionary concept, reminding believers of the dangers of spiritual apathy born from a perceived lack of need, and underscores the importance of maintaining a continuous spiritual hunger for God's sustaining grace and truth.
TRV