Lexical Summary saga: exalt, makes the great Original Word: שָׂגָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance increase, magnify : a primitive root; to grow, i.e. (causatively) to enlarge, (figuratively) laud -- increase, magnify. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to grow, grow great NASB Translation exalt (1), makes the great (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׂגָא] verb grow, grow great (√ only in Job; Aramaism; compare Aramaic סְגִי, סְגָא,  , all increase, grow great; Old Aramaic, Biblical Aramaic, Palmyrene שג(י)א adjective much); — Qal Imperfect3masculine singular metaplastic יִשְׂגֶּא Job 8:11 (of plant; metaplastic from Ges§ 75oo; > van d. H. יִשְׂגֶּה). Hiph`il 1. make great, participle מַשְׂגִּיא לַגּוֺיִם Job 12:23 he maketh the nations great (see ל 3b). 2 magnify, laud, 2 masculine singular תַּשְׂגִּיא פעלו Job 36:24 that thou magnify his work; — see שׂגה. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence The verb appears twice, both in the Book of Job: Job 12:23 where the Almighty “makes nations great and destroys them; He enlarges nations, then disperses them,” and Job 36:24 where Elihu urges, “Remember to magnify His work, which men have praised in song”. In each text the word communicates an act of enlargement or magnification instigated by God and directed toward either nations or His own deeds. Usage in Job’s Dialogue 1. Job 12:23 sits within Job’s rebuttal to his friends. Job emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty over the rise and fall of peoples. The verb underscores that exaltation is God-initiated and therefore subject to His purposes. Themes of Divine Sovereignty The two instances together present a balanced picture: God both enlarges nations (Job 12:23) and deserves to be enlarged—magnified—by His creatures (Job 36:24). Scripture repeatedly affirms this dual truth: the LORD “raises up” (Psalm 75:7) and “is exalted” (Psalm 46:10). The verb contributes to the wider biblical motif that history and worship are inseparable—He who shapes world events also commands praise. Worship and Praise Elihu’s exhortation links verbal praise with thoughtful remembrance. Magnifying God is not hyperbolic flattery; it is the believing community’s accurate proclamation of His works. This lays a foundation for biblical worship that is truth-driven and rooted in divine acts, echoed in Psalms such as Psalm 34:3, “Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together”. Historical Context In the Ancient Near East, kings claimed to “make great” their own names and realms. Job 12:23 subverts such royal propaganda by ascribing national greatness solely to God. Readers in every era are reminded that political ascendancy, cultural flourishing, and military success are ultimately granted—and revoked—by the Creator, not by human ingenuity. Ministry Implications • Discipleship: Teaching God’s sovereignty over nations fortifies believers against fear during geopolitical upheaval (Acts 17:26). Intertextual Echoes While the specific verb is limited to Job, the concept resonates through Scripture: Mary’s Magnificat—“My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46)—picks up the same theological chord, declaring God’s mighty deeds and humble sovereignty. Likewise, Revelation 15:3-4 portrays redeemed saints magnifying God’s works on a cosmic scale. Application for Today Believers are called to submit national pride to divine providence and to let every remembrance of God’s mighty acts fuel heartfelt worship. Whether observing global change or recounting personal testimony, the appropriate response is to “magnify His work” with gratitude, humility, and confident hope in the God who alone makes great. Forms and Transliterations מַשְׂגִּ֣יא משגיא תַשְׂגִּ֣יא תשגיא maś·gî masGi maśgî ṯaś·gî tasGi ṯaśgîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 12:23 HEB: מַשְׂגִּ֣יא לַ֭גּוֹיִם וַֽיְאַבְּדֵ֑ם NAS: He makes the nations great, KJV: He increaseth the nations, INT: makes the nations destroys Job 36:24 2 Occurrences |
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