Lexical Summary
sabib or sebibah: Around, surrounding, circuit, vicinity, environment
Original Word: סָבִיב
Part of Speech: substantive; adverb; preposition; substantive; adverb accusative; preposition; substantive; preposition
Transliteration: cabiyb
Pronunciation: sah-BEEV or seh-bee-BAH
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-beeb')
KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side
NASB: around, all around, every side, round about, surrounding, surround, environs
Word Origin: [from H5437 (סָבַב - surrounded)]
1. (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs
2. but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
place, round about, circuit, compass, on every side
Or (feminine) cbiybah {seb-ee-baw'}; from cabab; (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around -- (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side.
see HEBREW cabab
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
sababDefinitioncircuit, round about
NASB Translationabout (1), all (1), all around (68), all around about (1), all sides (3), all* (2), altogether* (1), around (114), around about (1), around* (1), circular courses (1), circumference* (2), completely (1), confines (1), encompassing (1), entirely (1), environs (5), every direction (2), every side (34), form (2), one surrounding (1), places around (1), round about (29), surround (10), surround* (2), surrounded (1), surrounding (17), surrounding area (1), surrounds (2), throughout (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
336 , used mostly as
and
, : — construct Amos 3:11; plural construct Jeremiah 32:44; Jeremiah 33:13, suffix etc. (10 t.), much oftener Exodus 7:24 22t., , -, etc., Deuteronomy 17:14, etc. (48 t.): — in singular —
as 1 Chronicles 11:8 and to the parts round about.
as
(in) a circuit, i.e. round about, Genesis 23:17 Exodus 19:12; Exodus 25:11,24,25; Leviticus 1:5,11 , Judges 20:29; 1 Kings 3:1; 1 Kings 5:11; Psalm 3:7 , Psalm 12:9; Psalm 34:8 + often; sometimes doubled, for the sake of emphasis, 2 Chronicles 4:3; Ezekiel 8:10 , Ezekiel 37:2; Ezekiel 40:5 and often in Ezekiel 40-43.
as
: (a) Psalms, Amos 3:11 distress, and that in the circuit of (= round about) the land (but read probably with will encircle). (b) Exodus 16:13; Exodus 40:33; Numbers 1:50,53; Numbers 2:2; Judges 7:21; 1 Kings 6:5; 1 Kings 18:32,35; Ezekiel 41:10; Ezekiel 14:16; Job 19:12; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 78:28; Psalm 125:2 (twice in verse) , Psalm 128:3; Songs 3:7; Nahum 3:8. (c) strangely, 1 Kings 6:5 (omitted by ), Ezekiel 43:17.
42, from round about, from every side, Ezekiel 16:33,37; Ezekiel 23:22; Ezekiel 37:21, but usually (
) = on every side, Jeremiah 4:17 , Isaiah 42:25 , Joel 4:11; Joel 4:12; Psalms terror on every side ! Jeremiah 6:25; Jeremiah 20:3,10; Jeremiah 46:5; Jeremiah 49:29; Psalm 31:14, compare Lamentations 2:22; especially in the Deuteronomic phrases , or (sometimes in combination), as Deuteronomy 12:10 , Deuteronomy 25:19; Joshua 21:42 , Joshua 23:1; Judges 2:14; Judges 8:34; 1 Samuel 12:11 +; from round about, Numbers 16:24,27. — On 1 Samuel 14:21; 2 Samuel 24:6; Job 10:8 see .
In plur.: —
: (a) in masculine sense, those round about, Psalm 76:12 , Psalm 89:8; Jeremiah 48:17,39. (b) in neuter sense, the parts round about, Jeremiah 49:5 , Jeremiah 32:44; Jeremiah 33:13; Jeremiah 21:14 , Jeremiah 46:14; with the force of a
, Psalm 50:3 , Psalm 97:2; Lamentations 1:17.
(a) as () circuits, Ecclesiastes 1:6 ; () the parts round about, Numbers 22:4 , Jeremiah 17:26; Jeremiah 50:32 (compare Jeremiah 21:14 above); with reference to their inhabitants, Psalm 44:19 = Psalm 79:4 , Ezekiel 16:57; Ezekiel 28:24; Daniel 9:16. (b) with the force a
Exodus 7:24 literally (in) the circuits of the Nile = round about the Nile, Numbers 11:24,31,32; Numbers 35:2 , Judges 7:18; 1 Samuel 26:5,7; 2 Kings 6:17 , Psalm 18:12; Psalm 27:6 , etc.; often idiomatic preceded by , as Genesis 33:5 Genesis 41:48; Leviticus 25:44; Numbers 16:34; Deuteronomy 6:14; Deuteronomy 13:8; Deuteronomy 17:14; Deuteronomy 21:2 +. In the same sense Ezekiel 28:26.
Topical Lexicon
Semantic Range and Core Idea The term סָבִיב appears across the canon as a dynamic preposition and adverb signifying “around,” “round about,” “encompassing,” or “on every side.” Its basic picture is circularity, whether literal (movement in a circle, geographical boundaries) or figurative (encompassing protection, pervasive judgment, universal praise). Because Scripture often moves seamlessly from the physical to the theological, the word becomes a bridge between what Israel sees with the eye and what it is summoned to perceive by faith.
Spatial Imagery in Israel’s Life
1. Settlement and Geography. Moses repeatedly uses the word to describe surrounding peoples and terrain (Deuteronomy 2:4; Deuteronomy 3:14), thereby helping shape Israel’s covenant self-awareness in relation to the nations “round about.”
2. Architecture and Sacred Space. In the wilderness pattern the courtyard’s “hangings… all around” (Exodus 27:18) and the blood placed “around on the altar” (Leviticus 1:11) underscore that holiness involves full circumference; nothing is left untouched. Solomon follows the same principle, lining the temple interior “all around with carved gourds and open flowers” (1 Kings 6:29).
3. Festival Processions. When the Psalter calls worshipers to bring offerings and “let them encircle the altar” (Psalm 26:6–7), the body language of surrounding becomes an acted parable of total consecration.
Military and Protective Uses
1. Encirclement in Conquest. At Jericho, “You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once” (Joshua 6:3). The repeated סָבִיב turns a tactical movement into a liturgy of faith: victory comes by obedience that surrounds the obstacle with the presence of God.
2. Siege and Judgment. The prophets reverse the imagery to warn a faithless nation: “Behold, I am bringing against you a nation from afar… they will encamp against you all around” (Jeremiah 6:22–23).
3. Divine Defense. When Assyria threatens, the oracle assures, “I will defend this city to save it, for My own sake” (2 Kings 19:34); Psalm 34:7 captures the larger principle: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.”
Liturgical and Worship Contexts
1. Blood, Oil, and Incense “All Around.” Sacrificial instructions repeatedly emphasize that atonement blood or anointing oil must circle the altar or priest (Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 8:15). Atonement is not partial but all-embracing.
2. Song and Procession. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people” (Psalm 125:2). Pilgrims ascending for the feasts would see the natural topography preach the reality sung in the Psalms.
3. Priestly Blessing. The benediction of Numbers 6:24–26 assumes the same logic: the LORD “make His face shine,” implying a radiant circumference of grace that leaves no side of life untouched.
Prophetic and Eschatological Significance
1. Promise of Restoration. Zechariah 2:5 delivers a double assurance: “I will be a wall of fire around her… and I will be the glory within.” Protection outside, presence inside—the perfect consummation of סָבִיב.
2. Messianic Foreshadowing. Isaiah envisions a redeemed Zion where salvation’s walls are praise that surrounds (Isaiah 60:18). The Gospel fulfillment appears when “a large crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God… all around” the approaching King (Luke 19:37, Greek perikukloūō reflecting the same concept).
3. Final Judgment. Ezekiel’s visions of Gog and Magog depict nations that “come up against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land” (Ezekiel 38:16), a futile encirclement ending in divine wrath, anticipating the climactic siege of Revelation 20:9.
Ethical and Theological Themes
1. Comprehensive Obedience. Because covenant grace surrounds, covenant loyalty must likewise “walk circumspectly,” leaving no corner of life outside divine authority (compare Ephesians 5:15).
2. Holistic Holiness. Sanctuary blood applied סָבִיב portrays sin’s pervasive reach and atonement’s greater sufficiency.
3. Community Solidarity. The word often appears with collective subjects—tribes camp “around” the tabernacle (Numbers 2). God’s people are saved and sanctified together, not as disconnected individuals.
Christological Foreshadowing
Jericho’s circuit, the altar’s blood-ring, and the future wall of fire all converge on the Cross where the Lamb’s blood encircles every sinner who believes (Hebrews 10:22). At Calvary hostile crowds stood “around” Him, yet the greater unseen reality was the encircling purpose of God “who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). Resurrection reverses the circle: Christ now “encamps around” His church by the Spirit (John 14:17).
Practical Ministry Application
1. Prayer: Intercessors may “circle” families, cities, and nations in petition, echoing Joshua’s march and Zechariah’s promise.
2. Worship Planning: Physical arrangement of congregational space can symbolize being surrounded by the Word and Table.
3. Pastoral Care: Psalm 125:2 provides language for reassurance amid anxiety—God’s protection is geographically illustrated and spiritually guaranteed.
Representative Occurrences
Genesis 35:5; Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 3:2; Numbers 11:24; Deuteronomy 32:10; Joshua 6:3; Judges 7:21; 1 Samuel 23:26; 2 Kings 6:17; 1 Chronicles 15:26; Nehemiah 12:43; Job 1:10; Psalm 18:11; Psalm 34:7; Psalm 76:11; Proverbs 14:18; Isaiah 29:3; Jeremiah 21:4; Lamentations 3:5; Ezekiel 1:27; Daniel 3:24; Hosea 12:1; Zechariah 2:5.
Summary
סָבִיב paints Scripture’s grand circle: God’s people surround His presence, His presence surrounds His people, and both realities anticipate the eternal city where “the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23), encircled forever by redeemed worship.
Forms and Transliterations
הַסָּבִ֑יב הסביב וְסָבִ֖יב וְסָבִ֥יב וּ֝סְבִיבָ֗יו וּבִסְבִיבֵ֣י וּבִסְבִיבֵ֥י וּמִסְּבִיב֨וֹת וּסְבִ֣יב וּסְבִיב֥וֹת וּסְבִיבוֹתֶ֖יהָ ובסביבי ומסביבות וסביב וסביבות וסביבותיה וסביביו לִסְבִיבוֹתֵֽינוּ׃ לסביבותינו׃ מִסְּבִ֣יבוֹתָ֔ם מִסָּ֫בִ֥יב מִסָּבִ֑יב מִסָּבִ֔יב מִסָּבִ֖יב מִסָּבִ֗יב מִסָּבִֽיב׃ מִסָּבִיב֒ מִסָּבִיב֙ מסביב מסביב׃ מסביבותם סְֽבִ֘יב֤וֹת סְֽבִיבוֹתַ֗י סְבִ֖יבוֹתַ֣י סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ סְבִ֣יבֹתָ֔ם סְבִ֣יבוֹתֶ֔יהָ סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֔ינוּ סְבִֽיבֹתָ֔ם סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֖יו סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥יו סְבִיב֖וֹת סְבִיב֛וֹת סְבִיב֣וֹת סְבִיב֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם סְבִיבֶֽיהָ׃ סְבִיבֶֽיךָ׃ סְבִיבָ֑יִךְ סְבִיבָ֑יו סְבִיבָ֔יו סְבִיבָ֣יו סְבִיבָֽיו׃ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם סְבִיבֹ֥ת סְבִיבֹֽתֵיהֶם֙ סְבִיבֹתֵ֖ינוּ סְבִיבֹתֵֽינוּ׃ סְבִיבֹתֵיהֶ֖ם סְבִיבֹתֶ֑יהָ סְבִיבֹתֶ֖יהָ סְבִיבֹתֶֽיהָ׃ סְבִיבֹתָ֖יו סְבִיבֹתָ֥יו סְבִיבֹתָֽי׃ סְבִיבֹתָֽיו׃ סְבִיבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֔ם סְבִיבוֹת֙ סְבִיבוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם סְבִיבוֹתֵיכֶֽם׃ סְבִיבוֹתֵיכֶם֒ סְבִיבוֹתֶ֑יהָ סְבִיבוֹתֶ֖יהָ סְבִיבוֹתֶ֣יךָ סְבִיבוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ סְבִיבוֹתָ֑יִךְ סָ֘בִ֤יב סָ֝בִ֗יב סָ֭בִיב סָבִ֑יב סָבִ֔יב סָבִ֕יב סָבִ֖יב סָבִ֗יב סָבִ֛יב סָבִ֜יב סָבִ֣יב סָבִ֣יב ׀ סָבִ֤יב סָבִ֤יב ׀ סָבִ֥יב סָבִ֥יב ׀ סָבִ֧יב ׀ סָבִ֨יב סָבִ֪יב סָבִֽיב׃ סָבִיב֙ סביב סביב׃ סביבות סביבותי סביבותיה סביבותיהם סביבותיו סביבותיך סביבותיך׃ סביבותיכם סביבותיכם׃ סביביה׃ סביביו סביביו׃ סביביך סביביך׃ סביבת סביבתי׃ סביבתיה סביבתיה׃ סביבתיהם סביבתיו סביבתיו׃ סביבתיכם סביבתינו סביבתינו׃ סביבתם has·sā·ḇîḇ hassāḇîḇ hassaViv lis·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯê·nū lisḇîḇōwṯênū lisvivoTeinu mis·sā·ḇîḇ mis·sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯām missāḇîḇ missaViv missəḇîḇōwṯām misseVivoTam sā·ḇîḇ sāḇîḇ saViv sə·ḇî·ḇā·yiḵ sə·ḇî·ḇāw sə·ḇî·ḇe·hā sə·ḇî·ḇe·ḵā sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯām sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯāw sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯāy sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯe·hā sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·hem sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·ḵem sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·nū sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯā·yiḵ sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯāw sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯay sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯe·hā sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯê·hem sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯe·ḵā sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯê·ḵem sə·ḇî·ḇō·wṯ sə·ḇî·ḇōṯ səḇîḇāw səḇîḇāyiḵ səḇîḇehā səḇîḇeḵā səḇîḇōṯ səḇîḇōṯām səḇîḇōṯāw səḇîḇōṯāy səḇîḇōṯehā səḇîḇōṯêhem səḇîḇōṯêḵem səḇîḇōṯênū səḇîḇōwṯ səḇîḇōwṯāw səḇîḇōwṯay səḇîḇōwṯāyiḵ səḇîḇōwṯehā səḇîḇōwṯêhem səḇîḇōwṯeḵā səḇîḇōwṯêḵem seviVav seviVayich seviVeicha seviVeiha seviVot sevivoTai sevivoTam sevivoTav sevivoTayich sevivoTeicha seviVoteiChem sevivoTeiha seviVoteiHem seVivoTeinu ū·ḇis·ḇî·ḇê ū·mis·sə·ḇî·ḇō·wṯ ū·sə·ḇî·ḇāw ū·sə·ḇî·ḇō·w·ṯe·hā ū·sə·ḇî·ḇō·wṯ ū·sə·ḇîḇ ūḇisḇîḇê ūmissəḇîḇōwṯ umisseviVot ūsəḇîḇ ūsəḇîḇāw ūsəḇîḇōwṯ ūsəḇîḇōwṯehā useViv useviVav useviVot usevivoTeiha uvisviVei vesaViv wə·sā·ḇîḇ wəsāḇîḇ
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