8280. sarah

Lexicon

sarah: To contend, to strive, to persist

Original Word: שָׂרָה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: sarah
Pronunciation: sah-rah'
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-raw')
Definition: To contend, to strive, to persist
Meaning: to prevail

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

have power as a prince

A primitive root; to prevail -- have power (as a prince).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to persist, exert oneself, persevere
NASB Translation
contended (1), striven (1), wrestled (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

I. שָׂרָה verb persist, exert oneself, persevere (Arabic persist, persevere); —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular ׳אֶתאֿ ׳שׂ Hosea 12:4 he persevered with God; 2 masculine singular וְעִם אֲנָשִׁים ׳שָׂרִיתָ עִםאֿ Genesis 32:29 (J). — Hosea 12:5 has Imperfect וַיָּ֫שַׂר in same meaning, as if from a (non-existent) שׂוּר; < read וַיִּ֫שֶׂר (apocope from וַיִּשְׂרֶה). — שׂוֺרָה Isaiah 28:25 see above.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G544 (ἀπεκδέχομαι, apekdechomai): To await eagerly, expect fully
• G2933 (κράτος, kratos): Strength, power, dominion

These Greek terms, while not direct translations, share thematic elements with שָׂרָה (sarah) in the sense of power, dominion, and the anticipation of victory or fulfillment. They reflect the New Testament's emphasis on the believer's hope and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Usage: The verb שָׂרָה (sarah) is used in the context of prevailing or exerting power, often in a princely or authoritative manner. It conveys the idea of overcoming or having dominion.

Context: The Hebrew verb שָׂרָה (sarah) is a primitive root that primarily means "to prevail" or "to have power." It is used in the context of exerting authority or overcoming challenges, often with a connotation of princely or noble power. This term is notably used in Genesis 32:28, where Jacob is told, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed." Here, the word שָׂרָה (sarah) is central to the transformation of Jacob's identity, signifying his ability to overcome and prevail in his struggles.

The concept of prevailing is not merely about physical strength but encompasses a broader sense of spiritual and moral victory. It implies a divinely granted ability to overcome obstacles and adversaries, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God's people being empowered to triumph over challenges through faith and divine support.

In the broader biblical narrative, the idea of prevailing is often linked with God's covenant promises and the fulfillment of His purposes through His chosen people. The use of שָׂרָה (sarah) underscores the dynamic relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency, where individuals are called to participate in God's redemptive plan by prevailing in faith and obedience.

Forms and Transliterations

שָׂרִ֧יתָ שָׂרָ֥ה שרה שרית śā·rāh śā·rî·ṯā saRah śārāh saRita śārîṯā

Englishman's Concordance

Genesis 32:28
HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כִּֽי־ שָׂרִ֧יתָ עִם־ אֱלֹהִ֛ים
NAS: but Israel; for you have striven with God
KJV: but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God
INT: Israel for have striven with God

Hosea 12:3
HEB: אָחִ֑יו וּבְאוֹנ֖וֹ שָׂרָ֥ה אֶת־ אֱלֹהִֽים׃
NAS: And in his maturity he contended with God.
KJV: and by his strength he had power with God:
INT: his brother his maturity contended with God

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 8280
2 Occurrences

śā·rāh — 1 Occ.
śā·rî·ṯā — 1 Occ.