### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שֵׂבֶר (sêber - `{{H7664}}`) is derived directly from the verb שָׂבַר (sābar - `{{H7663}}`), which means "to wait, to look, to hope, to expect." Consequently, the core meaning of sêber encompasses "expectation" and "hope." It denotes a confident looking forward, an anticipation of something, often with an underlying sense of patient endurance or longing. Unlike a mere wish, sêber carries the weight of a sustained mental posture directed towards a future reality, whether positive or negative. Its semantic range thus covers both the subjective feeling of hope and the objective thing or outcome that is hoped for.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term sêber appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within poetic and wisdom literature, where it often illuminates the human condition in relation to divine providence.
* In [[Psalm 146:5]], sêber is presented as the source of blessedness: "Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope (שִׂבְרוֹ - his sêber) is in the LORD his God." Here, the hope is explicitly directed towards Yahweh, establishing Him as the ultimate object and ground of confident expectation. This is a robust, life-sustaining hope.
* Conversely, [[Lamentations 3:18]] expresses a profound sense of despair: "And I said, 'My strength has perished, and my hope (שִׂבְרִי - my sêber) from the LORD.'" This verse captures the depth of the lamenter's suffering, where even the capacity to hope in God seems to have vanished. Yet, the very act of lamenting often precedes a turning point towards renewed trust.
* Job's dialogues frequently explore the nature of hope. In [[Job 6:8]], Job cries out, "Oh that I might have my request, and that God would grant my hope (שִׂבְרִי - my sêber)!" Here, sêber refers to a specific desire or expectation that Job longs to see fulfilled.
* In [[Job 11:20]], the futility of the wicked's hope is highlighted: "But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and they will have no refuge; their hope (שִׂבְרָם - their sêber) will be a breath." This contrasts sharply with the steadfast hope placed in God, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of hope not grounded in divine truth.
* A unique metaphorical usage appears in [[Job 14:7]]: "For there is hope (שֵׂבֶר - sêber) for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again." This illustrates a natural, almost instinctive hope for renewal and life, serving as a poignant backdrop to Job's own despair regarding human mortality.
Across these contexts, sêber consistently points to a forward-looking posture, whether it is steadfastly anchored in God, tragically lost in suffering, or shown to be ultimately vain when misdirected.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "hope" in the Hebrew Bible is rich and multifaceted. Sêber (`{{H7664}}`) is most directly related to its root verb, שָׂבַר (sābar - `{{H7663}}`), which conveys the action of waiting and expecting. Other significant Hebrew terms that express aspects of hope include:
* יָחַל (yāḥal - `{{H3176}}`): Often translated as "to wait," "to hope," or "to tarry." This verb frequently implies patient endurance and trust, especially in waiting for the Lord. Its nominal derivative is תּוֹחֶלֶת (tôḥeleth - `{{H8615}}`), "expectation" or "hope."
* קָוָה (qāwāh - `{{H6960}}`): Means "to wait," "to look eagerly," or "to hope." This root often carries the nuance of being "bound together" or "collected," suggesting a strong, sustained attachment to the object of hope. Its nominal forms include מִקְוֶה (miqveh - `{{H4723}}`), which can mean "hope" or "collection (of water)."
While these terms share a common semantic domain, sêber, by its direct derivation from sābar, particularly emphasizes the mental act of *looking forward* and the *object* of that expectation. It can denote a more immediate or specific expectation compared to the broader, often more patient, waiting implied by yāḥal or qāwāh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of sêber lies primarily in its connection to the nature of biblical hope.
1. **Divine Object and Source:** True sêber, as seen in [[Psalm 146:5]], is fundamentally directed towards Yahweh. It is not a vague optimism but a confident expectation grounded in God's character, His covenant promises, and His proven faithfulness. This distinguishes biblical hope from human wishful thinking or fleeting desires.
2. **Resilience in Suffering:** The presence or absence of sêber in texts like Lamentations and Job highlights the profound impact of suffering on the human spirit. Yet, even in moments of despair, the very act of voicing the loss of hope can be a catalyst for a renewed turning to God, whose steadfast love (חֶסֶד - ḥesed) is the ultimate ground for hope's restoration.
3. **Contrast with Worldly Hope:** The Bible consistently contrasts the futility of hope placed in human endeavors or worldly possessions with the enduring stability of hope in God. The "breath-like" hope of the wicked ([[Job 11:20]]) serves as a stark warning against misplaced trust.
4. **Foundation for Faith:** Sêber, as expectation, is a vital component of faith. It anticipates God's future action based on His past faithfulness and present character. It is a forward-looking trust that sustains the believer through trials and points towards divine consummation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שֵׂבֶר (sêber - `{{H7664}}`) denotes "expectation" and "hope," stemming directly from the verb "to wait" or "to expect" (שָׂבַר - `{{H7663}}`). Though not frequently used, its occurrences in poetic and wisdom literature are highly significant. Sêber describes a confident looking forward, often in the face of adversity, and is most profoundly expressed when directed towards Yahweh, who is the ultimate source and object of true, enduring hope ([[Psalm 146:5]]). The biblical usage of sêber contrasts the steadfastness of hope in God with the ephemerality of hope placed elsewhere ([[Job 11:20]]), underscoring its vital role in the life of faith and the believer's reliance on divine faithfulness amidst the uncertainties of life.
TRV