### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sêyb**, represented by `{{H7869}}`, refers to **old age** or **age**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible. Its sole use describes the physical state of a person in their advanced years, specifically as the cause of a physical limitation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H7869}}` is in the narrative of the prophet Ahijah. When King Jeroboam's wife visits him in disguise, the text notes that "Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his **age**" [[1 Kings 14:4]]. This direct statement uses **sêyb** to explain the natural, physical decay that has led to the prophet's blindness, setting a scene of human frailty.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words in the surrounding text highlight the impact of Ahijah's condition:
* `{{H7200}}` **râʼâh** (to see): This word is used to state what Ahijah could not do. His **age** `{{H7869}}` is the direct cause of his inability to **see**, creating a clear link between the physical condition and the loss of a sense.
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl** (to be able): The text states that Ahijah "could not" see, using this term to emphasize his physical inability. The lack of ability is explicitly tied to his great **age** [[1 Kings 14:4]].
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (an eye): This is the part of the body directly affected by Ahijah's **age** `{{H7869}}`. The scripture notes that his **eyes** were set, pointing to the specific physical consequence of his old age.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7869}}` is drawn from its unique context.
* **Human Frailty:** The word provides a stark illustration of the physical limitations that accompany old age. Ahijah's blindness is a simple fact of his advanced years, a condition common to humanity.
* **Spiritual Insight Beyond Physical Sight:** Despite the physical blindness caused by his **age** `{{H7869}}`, Ahijah is not deceived. God grants him spiritual sight to recognize Jeroboam's wife instantly [[1 Kings 14:6]], showing that God's power and revelation are not hindered by human weakness.
* **Enduring Prophetic Authority:** Ahijah's physical state does not diminish his role as God's messenger. He remains the prophet who delivers a powerful and heavy word from the Lord, demonstrating that divine authority rests on God's call, not physical wholeness [[1 Kings 14:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7869}}` **sêyb** is a simple but poignant word for **old age**. Its singular use in scripture powerfully contrasts the physical decay of the human body with the enduring spiritual insight and authority granted by God. It defines the prophet Ahijah's physical condition in [[1 Kings 14:4]], but the surrounding narrative reveals that what is lost to **age** in the physical realm has no bearing on one's function in the spiritual.
TRV