Original Word: סְגֻלָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: cgullah
Pronunciation: seh-goo-LAH
Phonetic Spelling: (seg-ool-law')
KJV: jewel, peculiar (treasure), proper good, special
NASB: possession, treasure, treasured possession
Word Origin: [feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up]

1. wealth (as closely shut up)

jewel, peculiar treasure, proper good, special

Feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up; wealth (as closely shut up) -- jewel, peculiar (treasure), proper good, special.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
possession, property
NASB Translation
possession (5), treasure (2), treasured possession (1).

סְגֻלָּה noun feminine possession, property (on formation see Ba^{NB § 95 b} Kö^{ii. 1, 168}); — absolute ׳ס Exodus 19:5 5t.; construct סְגֻלַּת Ecclesiastes 2:8; suffix סְגֻלָּתוֺ Psalm 135:4; —

1 valued property, peculiar treasure, which ׳י has chosen (בחר) and taken to himself; always of people of Israel, first Exodus 19:5 (E; ᵐ5 λαὸς περιούσιος = Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9 λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν = περιποίησις Ephesians 1:14 compare Br^{MP 102}; MA 52, 235); then ׳עַם ס Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18; later ׳ס alone, Malachi 3:17; Psalm 135:4.

2 treasure (very late), of kings 1 Chronicles 29:3 (gold and silver), Ecclesiastes 2:8.

Overview

The Hebrew noun סְגֻלָּה describes the unique, covenantal status of a people or object regarded as the special treasure of the LORD. Across its eight appearances in the Old Testament the term functions as a theological badge, marking out what Yahweh jealously claims for Himself in love, ownership, and purpose.

Biblical Usage and Thematic Development

1. Sinai Inauguration of Covenant (Exodus 19:5)

At Sinai the LORD tells Israel, “Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations”. Segullah here establishes a direct link between obedience and identity. Israel’s distinct calling is framed not by ethnicity alone but by covenant fidelity.

2. Reaffirmation in the Wilderness and on the Plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:18)

Moses reiterates that Israel is “a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be His treasured possession.” These statements, delivered on the verge of entering Canaan, ground Israel’s future in Yahweh’s elective love, warning them against assimilation and idolatry.

3. Royal Endorsement and Personal Devotion (1 Chronicles 29:3)

David speaks of “my special treasure of gold and silver” which he donates for the temple. By adopting the term, the king models the giving of one’s most valued resources for God’s dwelling place, mirroring the LORD who first claimed Israel as His own.

4. Liturgical Celebration (Psalm 135:4)

In temple worship the psalmist proclaims, “For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His treasured possession.” The congregation sings segullah as a testimony of divine grace, reinforcing national identity during praise.

5. Wisdom Literature Nuance (Ecclesiastes 2:8)

The Preacher gathers “treasures of kings and provinces,” exposing the futility of accumulating earthly segullah apart from God. The term thus reminds readers that true value lies not in possessions but in being possessed by the LORD.

6. Eschatological Promise (Malachi 3:17)

To a post-exilic community tempted by cynicism, God declares, “They will be Mine... on the day I prepare My treasured possession.” Segullah points forward to a coming day of differentiation between the righteous and the wicked, assuring faithful servants of their final vindication.

Covenantal and Redemptive Significance

• Election and Grace – Segullah underscores that Israel’s status originates in divine choice, not human merit (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).
• Holiness and Obedience – The treasured people are expected to reflect their Owner’s character through holy conduct (Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9 draws directly on this pattern).
• Mission to the Nations – By calling one people His special treasure “out of all the nations,” God signals His intent to bless the nations through them (Genesis 12:3), ultimately fulfilled in the gospel’s global reach.

Historical Context

During the Late Bronze Age, suzerain treaties used language of exclusive possession for vassal loyalty. At Sinai, Yahweh adapts this political imagery, declaring Himself the unrivaled King who covenants with Israel. In the post-exilic period (Malachi), foreign domination and internal discouragement made the reminder of segullah vital for sustaining hope.

New Testament Parallels

Peter applies the concept to the church: “But you are a chosen people... God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Paul echoes the idea when he says believers are “a people for His own possession” (Titus 2:14). Thus, the Old Testament motif finds expansion in the multinational body of Christ while maintaining continuity with Israel’s calling.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Identity Formation – Teaching segullah grounds believers in the security of being God’s beloved possession, combatting orphan-spirited Christianity.
• Holiness Motivation – Holiness is pursued not to earn status but to display the worth of the One who owns us.
• Stewardship – Like David, followers respond by offering their finest resources for God’s kingdom, seeing all wealth as derivative of divine ownership.
• Hope amid Discipline – Malachi 3:17 assures the faithful remnant that God distinguishes His treasure even when judgment purifies the community.

Eschatological Outlook

Malachi’s promise of a “day” when the LORD publicly claims His segullah anticipates the consummation described in Revelation 21:3, where God dwells with a purified people. The motif encourages perseverance, reminding God’s people that their treasured status will be manifest when Christ appears in glory.

Conclusion

Segullah weaves through Scripture as a golden thread, revealing the heart of God who sets His seal on a people, forms them through covenant, and preserves them for a glorious future. Recognizing ourselves as His treasured possession fosters obedience, worship, and unshakable hope.

וּסְגֻלַּ֥ת וסגלת לִסְגֻלָּתֽוֹ׃ לסגלתו׃ סְגֻלָּ֑ה סְגֻלָּ֔ה סְגֻלָּ֖ה סְגֻלָּה֙ סגלה lis·ḡul·lā·ṯōw lisgullaTo lisḡullāṯōw sə·ḡul·lāh segulLah səḡullāh ū·sə·ḡul·laṯ usegulLat ūsəḡullaṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts