erroneously שָׁבַר; (Nehemiah 2:13,15), a primitive root; to scrutinize; by implication (of watching) to expect (with hope and patience); hope, tarry, view, wait.
Transliteration:sâbar
Pronunciation:saw-bar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root שָׂבַר (sâbar, `{{H7663}}`) carries a primary meaning of "to scrutinize" or "to view carefully." This implies a deliberate, close examination, rather than a casual glance. From this foundational sense of careful observation, the semantic range extends, by implication, to "to expect with hope and patience." This extension suggests that the act of watching or scrutinizing can lead to a state of hopeful anticipation, especially when one is looking for a particular outcome or divine intervention. The various English translations associated with this root—"hope," "tarry," "view," "wait"—reflect this dual aspect of careful observation and patient expectation. It is crucial to note the explicit distinction made in the Strong's definition from שָׁבַר (shâbar, `{{H7665}}`), which means "to break" or "to buy grain," highlighting that despite similar orthography, `{{H7663}}` is a distinct and separate root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root שָׂבַר (sâbar, `{{H7663}}`) is remarkably rare in the Masoretic Text, appearing only twice, both within the book of Nehemiah. These occurrences are pivotal for understanding its precise usage in biblical narrative:
* **[[Nehemiah 2:13]]**: "And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Dragon's Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I surveyed (וָאֱהִי שֹׂבֵר) the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been consumed by fire." Here, Nehemiah uses the participle שֹׂבֵר (sōvēR) to describe his nocturnal activity. The context clearly indicates an act of careful inspection and assessment of the damaged walls. He was not merely looking, but meticulously scrutinizing the extent of the destruction, gathering information crucial for his rebuilding plans.
* **[[Nehemiah 2:15]]**: "Then I went up by night through the valley and surveyed (וָאֱהִי שֹׂבֵר) the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned." This verse reiterates Nehemiah's action from [[Nehemiah 2:13]], reinforcing the meaning of "to survey" or "to scrutinize." It describes the completion of his detailed reconnaissance mission.
In both instances, the primary sense of "to scrutinize" or "to view carefully" is paramount. The context does not directly convey "hope" or "wait" in the sense of patient expectation, but rather a diligent and thorough observation necessary for strategic planning and action. While the broader semantic range of `{{H7663}}` includes "hope" and "wait," the actual biblical occurrences for this specific lemma emphasize the investigative and discerning aspect.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate שָׂבַר (sâbar, `{{H7663}}`), it is helpful to consider its relationship with other Hebrew terms:
* **Words for Seeing/Observing:** Roots like רָאָה (rā’â, `{{H7200}}`, "to see"), נָבַט (nābat, `{{H5027}}`, "to look, gaze attentively"), and שָׁקַף (shāqaph, `{{H8259}}`, "to look out/down") share the general concept of visual perception. However, שָׂבַר (sâbar) implies a more active, investigative, and discerning form of looking, akin to an inspection.
* **Words for Waiting/Hoping:** Roots such as קָוָה (qāvâ, `{{H6960}}`, "to wait, hope, bind together") and יָחַל (yāḥal, `{{H3176}}`, "to wait, hope, tarry") convey the spiritual and emotional dimensions of patient expectation. While `{{H7663}}` can carry this nuance, its direct biblical usage in Nehemiah focuses on the physical act of viewing. The connection between careful observation and hopeful waiting is thematic; one often scrutinizes a situation while waiting for divine guidance or intervention.
* **Thematic Connections:** The use of שָׂבַר (sâbar) in Nehemiah highlights themes of prudence, discernment, strategic planning, and responsible leadership. Nehemiah's actions exemplify the wisdom of thoroughly assessing a situation before embarking on a significant undertaking.
### Theological Significance
Though limited in its direct biblical occurrences, the word שָׂבַר (sâbar, `{{H7663}}`) carries significant theological weight through its context in Nehemiah. Nehemiah's "scrutinizing" of the walls before announcing his plans or initiating the work underscores a vital principle for those engaged in God's service:
1. **Discernment and Prudence:** God's work is not to be undertaken haphazardly. Nehemiah's careful observation reflects a divine call to wisdom, thoroughness, and strategic planning. It teaches that effective action often follows informed assessment. This aligns with broader biblical wisdom literature that encourages careful consideration before action (e.g., [[Proverbs 14:15]], [[Proverbs 21:5]]).
2. **Faithful Stewardship:** The act of surveying the broken walls was an act of faithful stewardship. Nehemiah was not merely seeing the devastation but understanding the scope of the task, which required courage and reliance on God. His careful viewing was a prerequisite for effective prayer and leadership.
3. **Preparation for Divine Action:** While the "hope" aspect is not explicit in Nehemiah's use, the broader semantic range of `{{H7663}}` implies that careful observation can be a posture of hopeful expectation for God's provision and guidance. Nehemiah's scrutiny was in preparation for God's enabling of the rebuilding. It suggests that even in surveying brokenness, there is an underlying hope for restoration, rooted in God's faithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שָׂבַר (sâbar, `{{H7663}}`) primarily signifies "to scrutinize" or "to view carefully," with a secondary, implied meaning of "to expect with hope and patience." Despite its broader semantic range, its only two occurrences in the biblical text (both in [[Nehemiah 2:13]] and [[Nehemiah 2:15]]) firmly establish its usage in the sense of a meticulous and discerning inspection. In these instances, Nehemiah's "surveying" of Jerusalem's broken walls exemplifies prudent leadership and careful assessment as foundational steps for strategic action in God's work. While rare, `{{H7663}}` serves as a subtle yet profound reminder of the biblical emphasis on discernment, thoroughness, and faithful preparation in service to the Most High.
TRV