### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sêybâh**, represented by `{{H7872}}`, refers to **old age** and the physical sign of **gray or hoary hairs**. It appears 19 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. The term encapsulates both the state of being advanced in years and the literal appearance of a gray head, serving as a powerful symbol for a life's culmination, whether in honor or sorrow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7872}}` is often used to describe the end of a long and blessed life. Patriarchs and leaders such as Abraham, Gideon, and David are all said to have died in a "good old age" ([[Genesis 25:8]], [[Judges 8:32]], [[1 Chronicles 29:28]]). However, the term also carries a heavy connotation of grief and vulnerability. Jacob repeatedly expresses his fear that his sons' actions will "bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave" ([[Genesis 42:38]], [[Genesis 44:31]]). This negative sense is also seen in the judgment against Joab, whose "hoar head" was not to "go down to the grave in peace" [[1 Kings 2:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of aging and its significance:
* `{{H2205}}` **zâqên** (old; aged): This adjective for an old person is frequently used alongside `{{H7872}}` to complete the picture of advanced age. For instance, Abraham is described as "an old man `{{H2205}}`" who died in a "good old age `{{H7872}}`" [[Genesis 25:8]], and the law commands respect for both "the hoary head `{{H7872}}`" and "the old man `{{H2205}}`" [[Leviticus 19:32]].
* `{{H2209}}` **ziqnâh** (old age): A direct synonym for old age, this word is used in parallel with `{{H7872}}` to emphasize God's lifelong care, promising to carry His people "even to your old age `{{H2209}}`... and even to hoar hairs `{{H7872}}`" [[Isaiah 46:4]].
* `{{H3015}}` **yâgôwn** (grief, sorrow): This word is often paired with `{{H7872}}` to express the profound sadness of a tragic end to a long life, as when Jacob fears his "gray hairs `{{H7872}}`" will be brought down "with sorrow `{{H3015}}` to the grave" [[Genesis 42:38]].
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend, bring down): This verb describes the action of going down to the grave, or `{{H7585}}` **shᵉʼôwl**, and is the verb used to depict bringing "gray hairs `{{H7872}}`" to their final resting place, often under tragic circumstances ([[Genesis 44:31]], [[1 Kings 2:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7872}}` is evident in its dual representation of both blessing and vulnerability.
* **A Sign of Honor:** A gray head is presented as a mark of dignity that demands respect. This is established as a legal command in Leviticus, which states, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head `{{H7872}}`" [[Leviticus 19:32]]. Its status is elevated further in Proverbs, which declares that "the hoary head `{{H7872}}` is a crown of glory `{{H8597}}`, if it be found in the way of righteousness" [[Proverbs 16:31]].
* **The Culmination of a Blessed Life:** Reaching a "good old age `{{H7872}}`" is portrayed as a fulfillment of God's favor. God promises Abraham he will be "buried in a good old age" [[Genesis 15:15]], a promise realized in the lives of several key figures who died full of days, riches, and honor [[1 Chronicles 29:28]].
* **A Symbol of Dependence on God:** The term also highlights human frailty and the need for God's sustaining power. God acknowledges this state of dependence when He promises to carry His people "even to hoar hairs `{{H7872}}`" [[Isaiah 46:4]]. Similarly, the righteous are promised they will "still bring forth fruit in old age `{{H7872}}`" [[Psalms 92:14]], a vitality that comes from God alone.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7872}}` is more than a descriptor for age or hair color. It is a rich biblical symbol that connects the physical reality of aging to one's moral and spiritual journey. Whether as a "crown of glory" for the righteous, a mark of a life blessed by God, or a symbol of sorrow at a tragic end, **sêybâh** powerfully illustrates that the conclusion of one's life is a testament to the path they have walked.
TRV