סָמַךְ
To prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
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 סָמַךְ (sômēḵ) mean in the Bible?
סָמַךְ (sômēḵ) is a Hebrew word meaning "to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)". to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense) BDB: lean Usage: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain.
Meaning
Physical support becomes relational dependence—leaning on God signals covenant trust; leaning wrongly signals faithlessness.
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense) BDB: lean Usage: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain.
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 11×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 4×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Additional Occurrences
Showing 8 of 48 occurrences in the biblical text.
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.