Lexical Summary saah: Measure, seah Original Word: סָעָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance storm A primitive root; to rush -- storm. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to rush (of storm wind) NASB Translation stormy (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [סָעָה] verb (dubious) rush, of storm-wind (compare Arabic  (and  ), go quickly, run, be energetic; Syriac  make an attack upon); — Qal Participle feminine singular מֵרוּחַ סֹעָה Psalm 55:9 from rushing wind (and) from tempest (סָ֑עַר); Hup (not Now) Gr Dy סוּפָה or סְעָרָה. סעף (√ of following; apparently = cleave, divide; compare perhaps Arabic Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The noun סָעָה appears a single time in Scripture, Psalm 55:8, where David prays, “I would hurry to my shelter far from the raging tempest and storm”. Within the Psalm’s structure this word stands at the crescendo of David’s lament, depicting the swirling violence from which he longs to flee. Literary Imagery and Poetic Force David stacks two terms—“tempest” (שַׂעַר) and סָעָה—much as Hebrew poetry often pairs synonyms to intensify feeling. The first pictures a wind-driven maelstrom; the second, by its solitary use, adds a sudden, sweeping force. Together they communicate uproar and disorientation, a world spinning out of control. The poet’s plea for flight highlights the contrast between human frailty and divine refuge. Theological Themes 1. Human vulnerability: Storm language throughout Scripture reminds hearers of their impotence before creation’s fury (Job 38:1). David’s use of סָעָה personalizes that reality. Relationship to Other Storm Imagery • Psalm 29 celebrates the voice of the LORD over “the mighty waters,” portraying sovereignty above every squall. Historical Background Psalm 55 likely reflects a period of internal unrest—perhaps Absalom’s revolt or Ahithophel’s treachery. Urban political intrigue becomes, in David’s verse, an atmospheric calamity. The rare word choice may have been drawn from ancient Near-Eastern descriptions of dust-storms that sweep through Judean wadis without warning, dramatizing the suddenness of betrayal. Application for Ministry • Pastoral care: The imagery allows counselees to name inner turmoil without minimizing it. Preachers can invite congregants to echo David, identifying their own “storm” and directing it toward God’s shelter. Christological and Eschatological Echoes The longing for sanctuary anticipates the ultimate calm secured by the Messiah. Revelation 21:1 foresees “no more sea,” a symbolic end to chaotic threat. The singular סָעָה points forward to the singular victory of the Lamb who not only shelters from storms but eradicates them. Devotional Reflections Meditation on Psalm 55:8 invites believers to: In the lone flash of סָעָה Scripture offers a vivid reminder: the fiercest upheaval can be named, faced, and ultimately silenced under the steadfast care of the covenant-keeping God. Forms and Transliterations סֹעָ֣ה סעה sō‘āh sō·‘āh soAhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 55:8 HEB: לִ֑י מֵר֖וּחַ סֹעָ֣ה מִסָּֽעַר׃ NAS: to my place of refuge From the stormy wind KJV: from the windy storm [and] tempest. INT: to my place wind the stormy tempest |
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, of hand, become cracked around nails etc., Lane1364, 
palm-branches with leaves on them, Id1365; BaEs 56 GFMJudges 15:8 compare 
cleft, (forked) branch, compare BuhlLex 13).