Lexical Summary saphan: To cover, to panel, to overlay Original Word: סָפַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cieled, cover, seated A primitive root; to hide by covering; specifically, to roof (passive participle as noun, a roof) or wainscot; figuratively, to reserve -- cieled, cover, seated. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to cover, cover in, panel NASB Translation covered (1), paneled (3), paneling (1), reserved (1), treasures (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [סָפַן, once, erroneous, ׳שׂ] verb cover, cover in, panel (Late Hebrew סָפַן is respect, care for; Phoenician מספנת roof, Lzb330; Aramaic סְפַן Ithpe`el be covered, overlaid; Assyrian sapânu (sometimes šapânu!), cover, over-whelm Dl508; sapannu, concealment, obscurity, depth (of sea); Ethiopic Qal Imperfect3masculine singular וַיִּסְמֹּן אֶתהַֿבַּיִת גֵּבִים 1 Kings 6:9 and he covered in the house with beams (?); Infinitive absolute סָפוֺן בָּאָ֑רֶז Jeremiah 22:14 (reading with JDMich Hi Gf Or Gie Co, חַלּוֺנָיו סָפוֺן, for ᵑ0 חַלּוֺנַי וְסָפוּן, compare DrSm xxx) covering (it) in, panelling (it) with cedar; Passive participle סָפוּן בְּאֶרֶז 1 Kings 7:7, סָפֻן בְּאֶרֶז 1 Kings 7:3; plural בְּבָֽתֵּיכֶם סְפוּנִים Haggai 1:14 in your panelled houses. — סָפוּן strangely = reserved, laid up, Deuteronomy 33:21, and = hidden Deuteronomy 33:19 שְׂפֻנֵי טְמֻנֵי חוֺל (only here with שׂ; both in sense of צָפוּן [read this ?], compare Dr). Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage The verb sāp̱an appears six times in the Hebrew Bible and consistently conveys the idea of covering something with protective, ornamental, or concealing purpose. In royal and temple architecture it describes the lining or paneling of walls and ceilings; in Deuteronomy it speaks of reserving or hiding away the choicest portion of the land. Both nuances share the common thread of placing something valuable under secure, deliberate covering. Architectural Significance in Royal and Sacred Buildings In the narrative of Solomon’s construction projects the word is employed four times: These references highlight the lavish use of cedar as a finishing layer in the Temple and palace complex. The verb therefore underscores the beauty, permanence, and fragrance associated with structures devoted to the presence of the LORD and to the administration of justice. The covering work complements earlier instructions for the Tabernacle, where precious materials shielded and adorned what was set apart for God (Exodus 26–27). Solomon’s paneling proclaims the worthiness of divine worship and righteous rule. Covenant Imagery in Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 33:21 employs the verb in a pastoral rather than architectural context: “He chose the best for himself, for there a ruler’s portion was reserved.” The tribe of Gad accepts the eastern allotment yet remains faithful to cross the Jordan and fight. The “reserved” or “covered” portion conveys security within God’s covenant promises. What is hidden away by divine decree cannot be lost, prefiguring the believer’s inheritance “kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). Prophetic Reproof of Misplaced Priorities Jeremiah 22:14 and Haggai 1:4 turn the word into an indictment of self-indulgence: Here the cedar panels symbolize ostentatious luxury pursued at the expense of covenant faithfulness. Jeremiah confronts Jehoiakim’s oppressive building program, while Haggai rebukes the returned exiles for furnishing private comfort while the Temple foundation lay bare. The same verb that dignified Solomon’s Temple now exposes spiritual negligence when God’s house is neglected. Theological Themes and Ministry Significance 1. Glory that belongs to God. Extravagant paneling is fitting when it magnifies the LORD’s name; it becomes sin when used to elevate self. Christological Foreshadowing The magnificently paneled Temple, later neglected and rebuilt, anticipates the greater Temple—Jesus Christ—whose body was “prepared” (Hebrews 10:5) and whose glory outshines cedar and gold. Just as cedar covered the inner sanctuary, so believers are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), securely covered by His righteousness. Practical Lessons for the Church • Employ craftsmanship and excellence in spaces dedicated to worship. Forms and Transliterations וְסָפ֣וּן וְסָפֻ֣ן וַיִּסְפֹּ֤ן ויספן וספון וספן סְפוּנִ֑ים סָפ֑וּן ספון ספונים sā·p̄ūn saFun sāp̄ūn sə·p̄ū·nîm sefuNim səp̄ūnîm vaiyisPon vesaFun way·yis·pōn wayyispōn wə·sā·p̄un wə·sā·p̄ūn wəsāp̄un wəsāp̄ūnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 33:21 HEB: חֶלְקַ֥ת מְחֹקֵ֖ק סָפ֑וּן וַיֵּתֵא֙ רָ֣אשֵׁי NAS: portion was reserved; And he came KJV: of the lawgiver, [was he] seated; and he came INT: portion the ruler's was reserved came the leaders 1 Kings 6:9 1 Kings 7:3 1 Kings 7:7 Jeremiah 22:14 Haggai 1:4 6 Occurrences |
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invalescere, percrebescere, praevalere, Di406); —