Hebrew · Strong's H5437
סָבַב
(sah-BAHV)
verb
To turn, go around, or surround, literally or figuratively, often implying a change of direction or a protective/hostile encirclement.
The Hebrew verb *savav* encompasses a broad semantic range, primarily revolving around the idea of turning or going around. This can manifest in physical movement, such as walking around a city (Song 5:7), or a military maneuver like besieging a city (2 Kgs 3:25). The sense of surrounding can be neutral, describing geographical features, or hostile, depicting enemies encompassing a person (Ps 17:11). In a figurative sense, *savav* can speak of a change of heart or direction, though this nuance is often conveyed more explicitly by other verbs. The word can also describe the cyclical nature of time or events. The theological weight of *savav* often emerges in contexts where God is the one who "surrounds" or "encompasses" His people, whether with protection and deliverance (Ps 32:7) or, less frequently, with judgment. Conversely, humans may "turn away" or "go about" in disobedience. The repetition of *savav* can intensify the idea of being completely surrounded or overwhelmed, as seen in the psalmist's cries for help against his adversaries (Ps 118:11). The varied applications of *savav* highlight its versatility in describing both literal movements in the physical world and metaphorical actions pertaining to divine and human interaction.
Common English renderings
- turn
- go about
- surround
- compass
- round about
Key verses
"And they beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land they cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the fountains of water, and felled all the good trees, until in Kir-hareseth only they left the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about it, and smote it."
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"They have now compassed us in our steps; They set their eyes to castusdown to the earth."
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"Thou art my hiding-place; thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance. [Selah"
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"How long wilt thou go hither and thither, O thou backsliding daughter? for Jehovah hath created a new thing in the earth: A woman shall encompass a man."
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"They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off."
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