Bible Word Study
שִׂיא
sîyʼ · elevation
שִׂיא
elevation
Definition
The Hebrew noun שִׂיא (sîyʼ) primarily denotes 'elevation' or 'loftiness,' often in a metaphorical sense. It refers to a state of being high, exalted, or prominent. In its sole biblical occurrence in Job 20:6, it describes the seemingly supreme 'excellency' or 'height' of a wicked person's pride and ambition, which is ultimately doomed to perish. The word conveys the peak or summit of something, whether literal height or figurative status.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the poetic book of Job. In Job 20:6, Zophar uses it to describe the transient 'excellency' or 'lofty pride' of the wicked, which he argues will be brought low. The context is a debate about the fate of the arrogant, emphasizing that their elevated position is illusory and short-lived.
Etymology
שִׂיא (sîyʼ) is derived from the root שׂוֹא (śôʼ, H7721), meaning 'to lift up' or 'to exalt.' It is a noun formed by permutation from this root, sharing the core concept of rising or being high. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to height and exaltation.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, שִׂיא contributes to the theological theme of divine justice and the humility of human pride. In Job 20:6, it underscores the biblical truth that human exaltation without God is fleeting and subject to His judgment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Job by highlighting the contrast between the perceived 'height' of the wicked and their ultimate downfall, pointing to God's sovereignty over all earthly status. In ancient Near Eastern culture, height and elevation were powerful metaphors for power, success, and honor. A person's 'excellency' (שִׂיא) would be associated with social prestige, wealth, or military might. Zophar's argument taps into this cultural understanding to challenge the idea that such worldly elevation is secure or righteous. גֹּבַהּ (gōbah, H1364) — emphasizes physical height or loftiness. רָם (rām, H7311) — describes being high or exalted, often used for God's majesty. גָּאוֹן (gāʼôn, H1347) — denotes majesty, pride, or excellence, sometimes with negative connotations of arrogance.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]