מֵסַב

מֵסַב

a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around

Definition

The Hebrew noun מֵסַב (mêçab) primarily refers to a 'divan' or 'couch' arranged around the walls of a room for reclining at a meal, as seen in Song of Solomon 1:12. In a more abstract, adverbial sense, it means 'around' or 'that which encircles,' describing something surrounding an area, such as the carved figures 'round about' the temple walls in 1 Kings 6:29. This dual meaning—a physical object for seating and a description of spatial arrangement—is derived from its root meaning 'to turn' or 'to go around.'

Biblical Usage

מֵסַב is used five times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and descriptive contexts. It appears as a physical couch in Song of Solomon 1:12. The adverbial sense 'round about' is used for carved temple decorations (1 Kings 6:29), for idols surrounding Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:5), for clouds being turned 'round and round' by God's guidance (Job 37:12), and for the heads of the wicked 'compassing about' themselves with violence (Psalm 140:9).

Etymology

The noun מֵסַב is derived from the common Hebrew root סָבַב (sābab, H5437), meaning 'to turn, go around, surround.' This root gives the word its core idea of circularity or enclosure. It appears in both masculine (מְסִבִּים) and feminine (מְסִבּוֹת) plural forms, indicating it can describe a set of surrounding objects or features.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically heavy term, מֵסַב enriches our reading by highlighting themes of God's sovereign order and human posture. In Job 37:12, God's guidance of the clouds 'round about' illustrates His control over creation. In 2 Kings 23:5, the idols 'round about' Jerusalem symbolize the pervasive sin from which Josiah cleansed the land. The image of the king at his table (Song 1:12) can also evoke fellowship and honor. In its concrete sense as a 'divan,' מֵסַב refers to the low couches arranged around the walls of a room for reclining during meals in the ancient Near East. This was a sign of leisure, fellowship, and honor, distinct from sitting on chairs. Understanding this helps visualize the intimate setting in Song of Solomon and the social practice of shared meals. סָבִיב (sāvîv, H5439) — A more common adverb/preposition meaning 'around, surrounding,' often used for general proximity. מַחֲזִיק (maḥăzîq, H2388) — Can mean 'that compasses about' in a grasping or seizing sense, as in Psalm 140:5.

Word Details