סֵעֵף
𐤎𐤏𐤐
çêʻêph
H5588 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Split, divided; particularly used to describe a state of inner division, such as divided thoughts, wavering intentions, or irresoluteness. In its concrete usage, refers to someone of divided mind or spirit, characterized by doubt or skepticism. The term conveys the idea of being torn between different options or loyalties, often with a sense of internal conflict.
Semantic Range
split, divided, divided (in mind), division, inner conflict, wavering, irresolute, person of divided mind, uncertain, torn (internally)
Root / Etymology
From the root סָעַף (saʻaf), meaning 'to branch off, be split, divide.' The noun סֵעֵף (se'ef) is derived from this root and takes on the sense of division, especially in a metaphorical or psychological sense referring to inner conflict or a divided state of mind.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term סֵעֵף appears only in poetic or wisdom literature, notably in Psalms 119:113. In the context of ancient Israelite thought, being 'divided' in mind contrasts with the ideal of wholehearted devotion (תָּם—'whole, blameless'). While later English translations sometimes render סֵעֵף as 'double-minded' or 'skeptic,' the original meaning is not specifically focused on skepticism but rather a general condition of mental or spiritual division. The word does not directly refer to a philosophical skeptic but rather to anyone wavering in resolve or loyalty. Its rarity in the Hebrew Bible limits evidence for shifts over time, but related terms like 'double heart' (לֵב וָלֵב) in Psalms 12:3 reinforce the theme of divided internal disposition. By Second Temple times, related Greek concepts such as διψυχος ('double-souled', James 1:8) closely mirror the Hebrew notion, but the term סֵעֵף itself has no technical theological sense in the Tanakh.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from סָעַף; divided (in mind), i.e. (concretely) a skeptic; thought.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סעף (s-ʿ-p) — to split, divide, branch off
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5585 | סָעִיף | in split-off of |
| H5586 | סָעַף | branch-lopping one |
| H5587 | סָעִף | in divided thoughts |
| H5589 | סְעַפָּה | in his twigs |
| H5634 | סַרְעַפָּה | his twigs |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5588-01 |
סֵעֲפִ֥ים | seafim | HAampa |
double-minded ones | divided-minded ones | divided-minded ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5588-01 |
Psalms 119:113 | סֵעֲפִ֥ים | seafim | HAampa |
double-minded ones | divided-minded ones | divided-minded ones |