The Hebrew word sibʻâh, represented by H7653, means fulness or satiety. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its sole usage defines a state of over-abundance, specifically in the context of it being a component of profound spiritual and moral failure.
The single appearance of H7653 is found in a prophetic indictment against Sodom. In Ezekiel 16:49, "fulness of bread" is listed as one of the core iniquities of Sodom, alongside pride, an abundance of idleness, and a failure to help the poor and needy. The term is not used to describe a blessing, but rather a state of material excess that contributed to a culture of arrogance and a lack of compassion for others. This context frames satiety as a dangerous condition when it is not accompanied by gratitude and social responsibility.
Several related words from its only context help clarify the meaning of H7653:
- H1347 gâʼôwn (arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling): This word for pride is listed as the first iniquity of Sodom, directly preceding "fulness of bread" Ezekiel 16:49. This association suggests that material satiety can lead to spiritual arrogance.
- H3899 lechem (food (for man or beast), especially bread): This is the specific item of which there was a "fulness." While bread is often portrayed as a divine provision and necessity Exodus 23:25, in this context, its over-abundance contributes to sin.
- H7962 shalvâh (security (genuine or false); abundance, peace(-ably), prosperity, quietness): This word for abundance or prosperity is used in parallel with H7653 to describe Sodom's state of ease, which led to idleness and neglect rather than righteousness Ezekiel 16:49.
The theological weight of H7653 is concentrated entirely in its single, powerful use.
- Satiety as an Iniquity: The word's sole appearance explicitly lists "fulness" as part of Sodom's iniquity H5771. This shows that material surplus, when it fosters pride and complacency, is viewed as a sin Ezekiel 16:49.
- Abundance and Neglect: The "fulness of bread" is directly contrasted with the failure to strengthen the hand of the poor H6041 and needy H34. This establishes a critical theological principle: abundance comes with a moral obligation to care for the vulnerable.
- A Component of Judgment: As part of the list of sins that defined Sodom, H7653 demonstrates that a society's state of material ease and self-sufficiency can be a direct cause of divine judgment when it is coupled with arrogance and injustice.
In summary, H7653 is a highly specific term whose meaning is defined entirely by its context in Ezekiel 16:49. Though appearing only once, sibʻâh serves as a potent theological warning. It illustrates that "fulness" or satiety is not inherently righteous. When combined with pride and a callous disregard for the poor and needy, material abundance becomes a critical component of iniquity that invites judgment.
TRV