סָבַל
To carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome ; specifically, to be gravid
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.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does סָבַל mean in the Bible?
סָבַל is a Hebrew word meaning "to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome ; specifically, to be gravid". to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid BDB: bear a heavy load Usage: bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour.
Meaning
to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid BDB: bear a heavy load Usage: bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour.
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 4×
Pual intensive passive — intensive action received by the subject 1×
Hebrew Verb Forms
How this verb appears across 5 occurrences in the Hebrew OT (OSHB Leningrad Codex).
Aspect in Hebrew reflects grammatical form, not tense. "Perfect" (Perfective) typically denotes completed action; "Imperfect" (Imperfective) denotes incomplete or ongoing action. Stem modifies the action type (Qal=simple, Niphal=passive, Piel=intensive, etc.).
Morphology: OSHB WLC (Open Scriptures, CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible TEHMC (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0)
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.