from שָׂגַב; aloft; Segub, the name of two Israelites; Segub.
Transliteration:Sᵉgûwb
Pronunciation:seg-oob'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שְׂגוּב (Sᵉgûwb, `{{H7687}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name, directly derived from the verb שָׂגַב (sāḡaḇ, `{{H7682}}`). The root שָׂגַב carries the primary meaning "to be high, to be exalted, to be strong, to be inaccessible." Thus, שְׂגוּב inherently conveys the sense of "aloft," "exalted," or "highly placed." As a name, it would have been bestowed with the hope or aspiration that the individual would be elevated, strong, or of high standing. The semantic range is quite focused, pointing to elevation and strength, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense, though its usage in the biblical text is exclusively as a personal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name שְׂגוּב (Sᵉgûwb, `{{H7687}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Segub, son of Hiel the Bethelite:** This occurrence is found in [[1 Kings 16:34]]. The context is the reign of King Ahab, a period marked by significant apostasy in Israel. The verse states, "In his days Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun." This passage records the fulfillment of a curse pronounced by Joshua centuries earlier in [[Joshua 6:26]], which declared that whoever rebuilt Jericho would do so at the cost of his firstborn and youngest sons. The death of Segub, whose name means "exalted," stands in stark and tragic contrast to his fate, serving as a powerful testament to the enduring authority of God's prophetic word and the severe consequences of defying divine decrees. His death underscores the futility of human ambition or endeavor when it opposes the declared will of God.
2. **Segub, son of Hezron:** This occurrence is found in [[1 Chronicles 2:21-22]]. Here, Segub is listed in the genealogies of Judah, specifically as the son of Hezron and the father of Jair. "Afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was sixty years old, and she bore him Segub. And Segub fathered Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead." This mention is part of a detailed genealogical record, common in Chronicles, which establishes lineage and tribal connections. Unlike the first Segub, no dramatic narrative is attached to this individual. His name, "exalted," likely reflects the hopes or status of his family within the tribal structure, or perhaps simply a common and positive name choice of the era.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the root verb שָׂגַב (sāḡaḇ, `{{H7682}}`), from which שְׂגוּב (Sᵉgûwb, `{{H7687}}`) is derived. This root is frequently used to describe God's exalted nature (e.g., [[Psalm 9:2]], [[Psalm 107:11]]), His ability to exalt others (e.g., [[Psalm 18:46]]), or to make a city or nation strong. Other Hebrew words conveying concepts of height, strength, or elevation include רוּם (rûm, `{{H7311}}`, "to be high, exalted"), גָּבַהּ (gāḇah, `{{H1361}}`, "to be high, exalted"), and עוּז (ʿûz, `{{H5797}}`, "strength, refuge"). The ironic juxtaposition of the name "Segub" (exalted) with the tragic death of Hiel's son highlights a theological tension between human aspirations and divine judgment, a theme also seen in narratives like the Tower of Babel ([[Genesis 11:4]]) where human attempts at self-exaltation are brought low by God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שְׂגוּב (Sᵉgûwb, `{{H7687}}`), particularly concerning Hiel's son, is profound. His death serves as a stark reminder of the inviolability of God's word and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment. The curse pronounced by Joshua centuries prior was not forgotten by God, nor was it rendered void by the passage of time. This event underscores divine sovereignty and the serious consequences of disobedience, even when such acts seem to be merely human endeavors. The name "Segub," meaning "exalted," becomes a poignant irony in this context, demonstrating that true exaltation is not found in human defiance or ambition, but only in submission to the divine will. The narrative implicitly contrasts human attempts at self-exaltation with the true exaltation that belongs to God alone. For the Segub in the genealogy of Judah, while lacking a dramatic narrative, his inclusion reinforces the biblical emphasis on lineage and the continuity of God's covenant purposes through generations, even if his name's meaning isn't explicitly explored in his context. Ultimately, the study of "Segub" prompts reflection on the nature of true strength and elevation, locating it not in human achievement, but in the power and faithfulness of the Almighty.
### Summary
The name שְׂגוּב (Sᵉgûwb, `{{H7687}}`), meaning "exalted" or "aloft," is derived from the Hebrew root שָׂגַב (sāḡaḇ, `{{H7682}}`). It appears in the Bible as the name of two Israelites. The most significant occurrence is Segub, the youngest son of Hiel the Bethelite, whose death during the rebuilding of Jericho ([[1 Kings 16:34]]) tragically fulfilled Joshua's ancient curse ([[Joshua 6:26]]). This event powerfully illustrates the unfailing nature of God's word and the dire consequences of human defiance against divine decrees. The name's meaning ("exalted") becomes a striking irony in this context, contrasting human ambition with divine judgment. The other Segub is found in the genealogies of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 2:21-22]]), without further narrative detail. The study of "Segub" thus offers insight into the weight of prophetic pronouncements and the ultimate futility of human striving apart from God's sovereign will.
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