Lexical Summary shibathayim: Sevenfold, seventy-sevenfold Original Word: שִׁבְעָתַיִם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sevenfold, times Dual (adverbially) of sheba'; seven- times -- seven(-fold, times). see HEBREW sheba' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sheba Definition sevenfold, seven times NASB Translation seven times (2), sevenfold (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׁבְעָתַ֫יִם noun feminine dual seven-fold, seven times (compare Ges§§ 97h, 134r); — 1 seven-fold, seven times as much, Isaiah 30:26; Proverbs 6:31; as adverb Genesis 4:15,24; Psalm 79:12. 2 seven times, adverb Psalm 12:7. — 2 Samuel 21:9 read Qr שְׁבַעְתָּם see I. שֶׁבַע. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept An expression of “sevenfold,” intensifying the already symbolic number seven. Whenever it appears, it magnifies an action or quality to its fullest, conveying completeness, perfection, or total recompense under God’s just governance. Occurrences and Contexts Divine Justice and Protection In Genesis 4:15 the sevenfold vengeance protects Cain, affirming the sanctity of life even after judgment. The measure is God’s, not man’s, guarding society from limitless blood-feud. Genesis 4:24 shows Lamech seizing the formula for self-glory, an early example of sinful presumption that contrasts sharply with the divine initiative of verse 15. These paired texts illustrate both righteous and unrighteous uses of retributive concepts. Retribution and Covenant Ethics Psalm 79:12 petitions the LORD to repay hostile nations “sevenfold,” anchoring Israel’s cries for justice in God’s covenant faithfulness rather than human vengeance. Proverbs 6:31 sets sevenfold restitution as the ideal limit for a thief, embedding the principle of proportional recompense in everyday ethics and underscoring that sin always costs more than it seems. Purity and Reliability of God’s Word Psalm 12:6 employs the term to affirm that divine speech is without dross. As silver is smelted until utterly pure, so God’s promises emerge from the furnace of testing flawless. The sevenfold image reassures believers that every word is trustworthy amid a deceptive world. Eschatological Glory and Restoration Isaiah 30:26 looks forward to a day when the sun itself shines “seven times brighter,” picturing an age of unparalleled healing and illumination. The intensified light symbolizes complete restoration, prefiguring the ultimate renewal of creation when God’s presence banishes every shadow (compare Revelation 21:23). Symbolic Threads 1. Completeness – The number seven already signifies wholeness; “sevenfold” intensifies that wholeness beyond question. Applications for Ministry Summary שִׁבְעָתַיִם stands as a literary beacon marking God’s full measures—of protection, purity, judgment, and future glory. Each occurrence weaves into the larger biblical fabric that portrays the LORD as perfectly just and perfectly faithful, a truth that continues to anchor the faith and practice of the Church. Forms and Transliterations בעתים שִׁ֭בְעָתַיִם שִׁבְעָתַ֔יִם שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם שִׁבְעָתָ֑יִם שִׁבְעָתָֽיִם׃ שבעתים שבעתים׃ ḇə‘āṯayim ḇə·‘ā·ṯa·yim shivaTayim šiḇ‘āṯayim šiḇ‘āṯāyim šiḇ·‘ā·ṯa·yim šiḇ·‘ā·ṯā·yim veatayimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:15 HEB: הֹרֵ֣ג קַ֔יִן שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם יֻקָּ֑ם וַיָּ֨שֶׂם NAS: vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD KJV: vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD INT: kills Cain sevenfold vengeance appointed Genesis 4:24 Psalm 12:6 Psalm 79:12 Proverbs 6:31 Isaiah 30:26 6 Occurrences |
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