סִבָּה
𐤎𐤁𐤄
çibbâh
H5438 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A turning, change, or circumstance, usually indicating a turn of events, occasion, or circumstance affecting an outcome. The noun points to the event or situation itself, especially as a factor influencing action or destiny, not necessarily implying agency or explicit causality. Used for turns of fortune, changes in circumstances, or situations giving rise to action.
Semantic Range
turn (of events), change of circumstance, occasion, situation giving rise to an action, pivotal event, circumstance by which something happens
Root / Etymology
From the root סבב (to turn, go around, surround), the noun סִבָּה is derived as a feminine abstract noun formation (pattern: קטָּלָה) indicating the concept of a 'turn' or 'circumstance' arising from the primary root's idea of turning or surrounding.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, סִבָּה does not refer to an agent of change but rather to the circumstance or event by which an action becomes possible or necessary—a 'turn of affairs' or situation prompting a particular outcome. Contrast with words expressing active cause (e.g., סִבָּה refers to occasion or circumstance, while פְּעֻלָּה or מַעֲשֶׂה denote action or deed). While occasionally rendered as 'cause' or 'occasion' in translations, the nuance is situational or circumstantial rather than strictly causal. No distinct theological import is present in the word itself, and its usage is limited, almost exclusively found in narrative contexts describing changes in fortune or pivotal events.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from סָבַב; a (providential) turn (of affairs); cause.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סבב (s-b-b) — to turn, go around, surround
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4036 | מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב | from around |
| H4141 | מוּסָב | encircling structure of |
| H4142 | מוּסַבָּה | turned-around ones of |
| H4524 | מֵסַב | at his encircling couch |
| H5252 | נְסִבָּה | turning circumstance |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5438-01 |
סִבָּה֙ | sibah | HNcfsa |
a turn of events | a turning-circumstance | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5438-01 |
1 Kings 12:15 | סִבָּה֙ | sibah | HNcfsa |
a turn of events | a turning-circumstance |