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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâbar**, represented by `{{H7663}}`, conveys the concept of expectant waiting. It is a primitive root defined as to scrutinize, or by implication, to expect with hope and patience, and is translated as hope, tarry, view, or wait. It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**, and is noted as being erroneously written as `{{H7665}}` in two instances ([[Nehemiah 2:13]],15).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7663}}` describes a posture of dependence on God. The Psalms state that the eyes of all creation **wait** upon God for provision [[Psalms 145:15]] and that they all **wait** for Him to give them their meat in due season [[Psalms 104:27]]. This hope is tied directly to faithfulness, as the psalmist declares, "I have **hoped** for thy salvation, and done thy commandments" [[Psalms 119:166]]. The word can also describe a literal act of inspection, as when Nehemiah **viewed** the broken-down walls of Jerusalem ([[Nehemiah 2:13]], 2:15). It is also used to express futile expectation, such as when Naomi questions if her daughters would **tarry** for new sons [[Ruth 1:13]] or when the enemies of the Jews **hoped** for power over them [[Esther 9:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and object of this patient expectation:
* `{{H3444}}` **yᵉshûwʻâh** (salvation): This is a primary object of hope. The word means deliverance, aid, or victory, and is what the psalmist **hoped** for while obeying God's law [[Psalms 119:166]].
* `{{H571}}` **ʼemeth** (truth): Signifying certainty and trustworthiness, this is another object of hope that is exclusive to the living, as those in the grave "cannot **hope** for thy truth" [[Isaiah 38:18]].
* `{{H5702}}` **ʻâgan** (stay): This word is used in parallel with **sâbar** in [[Ruth 1:13]], where Naomi asks if her daughters would **tarry** and **stay** for sons, reinforcing the idea of waiting for something.
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (break/broken): Erroneously used for `{{H7663}}` in Nehemiah, this word describes the **broken** state of the walls that Nehemiah was viewing, linking the act of scrutinizing with the condition of the object being observed [[Nehemiah 2:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological themes associated with `{{H7663}}` center on the nature of hope and dependence on God.
* **Dependent Expectation:** All of creation is depicted as waiting upon God for sustenance [[Psalms 145:15]]. This establishes a universal principle of reliance on the Creator for life and provision.
* **Active Hope in God's Character:** Hope is not passive. It is directed toward God’s **salvation** `{{H3444}}` and **truth** `{{H571}}`. In [[Psalms 119:166]], this hope is actively paired with doing God’s **commandments** `{{H4687}}`, showing that true hope is expressed through obedience.
* **Hope as a Mark of the Living:** The prophet Isaiah contrasts the living with the dead by stating that those in the grave cannot **hope** for God's truth, making hope a vital sign of a relationship with the living God [[Isaiah 38:18]].
* **The Subversion of Misplaced Hope:** In Esther, the enemies’ hope to have **power** `{{H7980}}` over the Jews is overturned [[Esther 9:1]], demonstrating that hopes set against God's people and purposes are ultimately futile.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7663}}` **sâbar** is a multifaceted word that encompasses both the literal act of viewing and the profound spiritual posture of hopeful waiting. It illustrates the biblical concept of a hope that is not a mere wish, but a confident and patient expectation fixed on God's character, His provision, and His salvation. From the eyes of creation waiting for food to the faithful soul hoping for deliverance, **sâbar** defines a core element of a life oriented toward God.
TRV