Lexical Summary sachab: To lie down, to rest Original Word: סָחַב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance draw out, tear A primitive root; to trail along -- draw (out), tear. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to drag NASB Translation drag (2), drag off (2), dragged (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [סָחַב] verb drag (Imperfect consecutive 1 singular ואסחב MI18, suffix ואסחבה Ib12.13; Phoenician סחב Lzb328; Arabic  , Ethiopic  ); — Qal Perfect1plural וְסָחַ֫בְנוּ consecutive 2 Samuel 17:13; Imperfect3masculine singular suffix יִסְחָבוּם Jeremiah 49:20; Jeremiah 50:45; Infinitive absolute סָחוֺב Jeremiah 22:19; construct לִסְחֹב Jeremiah 15:3; — drag, a city עַדהַֿנַּחַל 2 Samuel 17:13, corpses Jeremiah 15:3; Jeremiah 22:19, captives, under figure of sheep dragged off by wild beast Jeremiah 49:20 = Jeremiah 50:45 (ᵐ5 passive, whence Schw Gie suppose a Niph`al יִסָּחֲבוּ). Topical Lexicon Root Imagery and Semantics The verb portrays forcible removal, a rough hauling that shows neither reverence for the object nor resistance by the victim. It conveys the irresistible strength of the one doing the dragging and the utter helplessness of what is being dragged. The word’s visceral overtones make it a favorite of the prophets when announcing judgment, and of the narrator in 2 Samuel when picturing total military dominance. Occurrences in Scripture • 2 Samuel 17:13 places the word in Hushai’s strategy against Absalom: “all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” The counsel pictures relentless corporate force that leaves nothing behind. Themes of Divine Judgment 1. Irresistibility: Every occurrence underscores that when the LORD appoints judgment, no human defense prevents removal. Historical Background • Hushai’s proposal exploited the terrain of fortified Judean cities; dragging the stones down into a valley would erase defensive walls. Prophetic and Eschatological Significance The verb anticipates ultimate eschatological reversal. Nations that exalt themselves are dragged down; the lowly who trust in Yahweh will be lifted up. The imagery aligns with Revelation’s depiction of Babylon the Great overthrown and with Christ’s affirmation that “all who exalt themselves will be humbled” (Matthew 23:12). Implications for Ministry Today • Preaching: The word furnishes vivid language for exposing complacency—no fortress of pride, wealth, or tradition can resist God’s hand. Application for Believers 1. Humility—submit to God before circumstances drag you where you do not wish to go. Related Scripture Links Proverbs 11:11; Isaiah 5:13–15; Amos 5:24; Luke 14:11. Summary Strong’s 5498 pictures God’s unstoppable judgment that drags away pride, power, and pretense. Yet its dark backdrop highlights the gospel’s light: those who cast themselves on the mercy of Christ will never be forcibly dragged into disgrace but will be carried as lambs in the Shepherd’s arms. Forms and Transliterations וְסָחַ֤בְנוּ וסחבנו יִסְחָבוּם֙ יסחבום לִסְחֹ֑ב לסחב סָח֣וֹב סחוב lis·ḥōḇ lisCho lisḥōḇ sā·ḥō·wḇ saChov sāḥōwḇ vesaChavnu wə·sā·ḥaḇ·nū wəsāḥaḇnū yis·ḥā·ḇūm yischaVum yisḥāḇūmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 17:13 HEB: הַהִ֖יא חֲבָלִ֑ים וְסָחַ֤בְנוּ אֹתוֹ֙ עַד־ NAS: to that city, and we will drag it into the valley KJV: to that city, and we will draw it into the river, INT: he ropes will drag into the valley Jeremiah 15:3 Jeremiah 22:19 Jeremiah 49:20 Jeremiah 50:45 5 Occurrences |
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