### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sîyb**, represented by `{{H7867}}`, is a primitive root meaning to become aged or to grow gray. It specifically refers to being **grayheaded**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently linking the physical sign of gray hair with advanced age and the experience it implies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H7867}}` occur in contexts of authority and wisdom. In Samuel's farewell address, he states, "I am old and **grayheaded**" to signify the full length of his service to Israel from childhood to that day, as he hands leadership over to a king [[1 Samuel 12:2]]. In the book of Job, Eliphaz attempts to assert the validity of his arguments by stating, "With us are both the **grayheaded** and very aged men," suggesting their counsel is backed by the wisdom of elders who are even older than Job's father [[Job 15:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the concept of age and the passage of time associated with being grayheaded:
* `{{H2204}}` **zâqên** (be old): This word is used in direct parallel with sîyb when Samuel describes his advanced age to the people of Israel, emphasizing his long life of leadership [[1 Samuel 12:2]].
* `{{H3453}}` **yâshîysh** (very aged man): This term appears alongside sîyb in Job's narrative, where Eliphaz uses the presence of "grayheaded and very aged men" to lend weight to his arguments [[Job 15:10]].
* `{{H5271}}` **nâʻûwr** (childhood, youth): Samuel uses this word to create a stark contrast with his grayheaded state, highlighting the full duration of his life's work "from my childhood unto this day" [[1 Samuel 12:2]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing infrequently, the concept carried by `{{H7867}}` has significant weight. It underscores key themes related to age and authority.
* **A Marker of a Complete Life of Service:** Being grayheaded is presented by Samuel as evidence of a long and full life lived in service to God and Israel, spanning from youth to old age [[1 Samuel 12:2]].
* **An Appeal to Wisdom and Experience:** The presence of gray hair is used as a basis for claiming wisdom. Eliphaz leverages the authority of the "grayheaded" to suggest that his perspective is more seasoned and credible than Job's [[Job 15:10]].
* **The Point of Transition:** In Samuel's case, being grayheaded marks a pivotal moment of transition, signaling the end of his era as a judge and the beginning of the monarchy in Israel [[1 Samuel 12:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7867}}` **sîyb** is a precise term for the physical evidence of a long life. Though rare, its usage in scripture is impactful, serving as a powerful visual symbol of accumulated experience, authority, and the natural progression of life from youth to old age. It is used to validate a lifetime of leadership and to claim the wisdom that comes with advanced years.
TRV