סָבַב
To revolve , surround , or border ; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does סָבַב (savav) mean in the Bible?
סָבַב (savav) is a Hebrew word meaning "to revolve , surround , or border ; used in various applications, literally and figuratively". Imagery of sin encircling before God’s face.
Meaning
Movement around a center point, from literal encirclement to figurative transformation or redirect of circumstances.
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively BDB: turn about Usage: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, × whirl, × round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, × circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, × on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back).
Why This Word Matters
Imagery of sin encircling before God’s face. Hosea 7:1-7
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 34×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 9×
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 10×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 1×
Hophal causative passive — the subject is caused to perform the action 2×
Poel 1×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Showing 8 of 158 occurrences in the biblical text.