שָׂגַב

sâgab /saw-gab'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively
KJV usagedefend, exalt, be excellent, (be, set on) high, lofty, be safe, set up (on high), be too strong.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word sâgab, represented by H7682, conveys the idea of being lofty or inaccessible. It appears 20 times in 20 unique verses in the Bible. Its base definition includes being made lofty, which by implication means to be safe, strong, or defended. The word is used both literally and figuratively to mean defend, exalt, be excellent, set on high, or be too strong.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical texts, H7682 is used to describe divine protection and exaltation. It signifies a place of safety, as when the righteous H6662 runs into the name H8034 of the LORD H3068 and is safe H7682 Proverbs 18:10. Similarly, trusting in the LORD H3068 leads to being safe H7682 from the snare H4170 caused by the fear H2731 of man H120 Proverbs 29:25. The word also denotes exaltation, particularly of God, as in the declaration that the LORD H3068 alone will be exalted H7682 on a future day H3117 (Isaiah 2:11, Isaiah 2:17). Its literal sense of height is seen in descriptions of a high H7682 wall H2346 (Proverbs 18:11, Isaiah 30:13) or a city H7151 that is too strong H7682 to conquer Deuteronomy 2:36.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concepts surrounding H7682:

  • H4026 migdâl (tower): This word represents a physical structure of height and defense. The name of the LORD H3068 is described as a strong tower where the righteous find safety Proverbs 18:10. Humans also attempt to build towers to make a name for themselves Genesis 11:4.
  • H982 bâṭach (to trust): Safety through H7682 is often linked to trust. Those who putteth his trust in the LORD H3068 will be safe Proverbs 29:25, a theme reinforced in the call to trust in the LORD with all your heart Proverbs 3:5.
  • H8213 shâphêl (to bring low): This word stands in direct contrast to the exaltation of H7682. While the LORD H3068 is exalted, the lofty looks of man H120 will be humbled Isaiah 2:11. Human pride is destined to bring him low Proverbs 29:23.
  • H6869 tsârâh (trouble): The defensive quality of H7682 is invoked in times of trouble. The name of the God H430 of Jacob H3290 defends in the day H3117 of trouble Psalms 20:1, and God is a help in trouble Psalms 46:1.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7682 is significant, highlighting God's supreme status and his relationship with humanity.

  • Divine Refuge: The word establishes the LORD H3068 as the ultimate source of safety. Trusting in His name H8034 provides a defense that is otherwise inaccessible (Proverbs 18:10, Psalms 20:1). This safety is a direct result of setting one's love upon God and knowing His name Psalms 91:14.
  • God's Unique Exaltation: H7682 is used to declare that the LORD H3068 alone will be exalted (Isaiah 2:11, Isaiah 2:17). This divine exaltation is contrasted with the humbling of human haughtiness H7312 and the lowliness of human pride Isaiah 2:11.
  • Lifting the Humble: God's power to exalt is demonstrated in his care for the vulnerable. He setteth...the poor on high H7682 from affliction Psalms 107:41 and exalts those who mourn H6937 to safety H3468 Job 5:11.
  • Inaccessible Knowledge: The loftiness of God extends to His knowledge H1847, which is described as too wonderful H6383 and so high H7682 that it is unattainable by man Psalms 139:6.

Summary

In summary, sâgab H7682 is a dynamic term that moves from the literal concept of physical height and inaccessibility to the profound theological truth of God's supreme exaltation and His role as a secure refuge. It illustrates a core biblical theme: true safety and loftiness are not found in human strength, wealth H1952, or pride Proverbs 18:11, but in a relationship with the LORD H3068. Whether defending the faithful, exalting the humble, or describing His own unattainable nature, sâgab consistently points to God as the only one who is truly high H7682 and lifted up.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 20 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Participle Singular Feminine Absolute 4×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Niphal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 3×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Pual Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Pual
The passive of the intensive (Piel) stem.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 20 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Psalms (7 verses).

1
Deuteronomy
2
Job
7
Psalms
3
Proverbs
7
Isaiah

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