The meaning of “שֶׂה”
Understanding seh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or שֵׂי sêy (say); probably from שָׁאָה through the idea of pushing out to graze (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb...
שֶׂה
or שֵׂי sêy (say); probably from שָׁאָה through the idea of pushing out to graze (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare זֶה. - a member of a flock, i.e. a sheep or goat 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 22:8 | “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” Word: שֶׂה (seh) | |
| Leviticus 22:23 | “Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.” Word: שֶׂה (seh) | |
| Joshua 6:21 | “And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.” Word: שֶׂה (seh) | |
| 1 Samuel 17:34 | “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:” Word: שֶׂה (seh) | |
| Isaiah 53:7 | “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” Word: שֶׂה (seh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Lamb
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Lamb, young sheep
The Hebrew seh (שֶׂה) denotes a lamb—central to Israel's sacrificial system. The Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from judgment (Exodus 12), and Isaiah prophesied the Servant would be 'brought as a lamb to the slaughter' (Isaiah 53:7).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Lamb
The Greek amnos (ἀμνός) means lamb. John declared Jesus 'the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world' (John 1:29). In Revelation, Christ is the slain Lamb (arnion) who alone is worthy to open the scroll.