Original Word: שָׂבָע
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: saba`
Pronunciation: sah-VAH
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-baw')
KJV: abundance, plenteous(-ness, -ly)
NASB: abundance, plenty, full stomach
Word Origin: [from H7646 (שָׂבַע שָׂבֵַע - satisfied)]

1. copiousness

abundance, plenteous,

From saba'; copiousness -- abundance, plenteous(- ness, -ly).

see HEBREW saba'

Word Origin
from saba
Definition
plenty, satiety
NASB Translation
abundance (4), full stomach (1), plenty (3).

שָׂבָע noun masculine^{Genesis 41:29} plenty, satiety; — only absolute ׳שׂ; —

1 plenty, of bread-stuffs Genesis 41:29,30,31,34,47,53 (E), Proverbs 3:10

2 satiety, Ecclesiastes 5:11.

Concept Overview

The Hebrew noun שָׂבָע (Strong’s 7647) speaks of fullness, abundance, and that state of being thoroughly satisfied which only God can ultimately supply. In Scripture it describes both literal plenty—especially of food—and figurative contentment of soul.

Distribution of Usage

• Six occurrences cluster in Genesis 41, Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams (verses 29, 30, 31, 34, 47, 53).
• One each in Proverbs 3:10 and Ecclesiastes 5:12.

These eight texts span Torah, Wisdom Literature, and Royal Narrative settings, giving the term a breadth that reaches from national economics to personal stewardship.

Genesis 41: National Provision and Sovereignty

Joseph announces, “Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:29). The super-abundance is so great that later generations will remember it only by the granaries Joseph built. Here שָׂבָע underscores God’s sovereign ability to reverse famine, elevate His servant, and preserve the covenant line (Genesis 45:7). Theologically, every granary filled during those seven years testifies that “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1).

Proverbs 3:10: Covenant Blessing and Responsible Giving

Solomon exhorts: “Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:10). שָׂבָע functions as the promised effect when one honors the Lord with the firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9). Here abundance is not mere opulence but a covenant reward for faithful worship and ethical economics. The farmer’s bursting barns preach stewardship, gratitude, and generosity toward the needy (Deuteronomy 24:19-22).

Ecclesiastes 5:12: The Limits of Material Plenty

“The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich permits him no sleep” (Ecclesiastes 5:12). Qoheleth contrasts satisfied rest with anxious hoarding. שָׂבָע here exposes the futility of wealth when detached from godly contentment. It warns ministries not to equate external success with inner peace. True rest requires a heart “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

Major Theological Themes

1. Divine Providence—God ordains times of plenty and scarcity; both serve His redemptive plan (Genesis 41:32).
2. Stewardship and Foresight—Joseph’s administrative wisdom converts שָׂבָע into sustained survival, modeling prudent planning for households and churches alike.
3. Blessing Linked to Worship—Proverbs weds material fullness to honoring the Lord first, safeguarding against idolatry of success.
4. Contentment versus Anxiety—Ecclesiastes teaches that abundance without trust breeds insomnia, whereas modest means with godliness bring “great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Practical Ministry Implications

• Preaching and Teaching: Use Genesis 41 to encourage congregations toward financial wisdom and generosity, reminding them that surplus is given for service, not self-indulgence.
• Counseling: Ecclesiastes 5:12 offers a diagnostic lens for believers plagued by worry; the issue may not be income but misplaced trust.
• Missions and Mercy: Joseph’s storehouses foreshadow the church’s call to act as God’s vehicle of provision in crises, pointing communities to the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
• Worship Planning: Proverbs 3:9-10 supports liturgies emphasizing firstfruits giving and testimonies of God’s faithful supply.

Christological and Eschatological Connections

Joseph’s seven years of שָׂבָע prefigure the messianic age when “the threshing floors shall be full of grain and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil” (Joel 2:24). Jesus multiplies loaves, producing baskets of leftover abundance (Mark 8:8), revealing Himself as both the giver and embodiment of fullness (Colossians 1:19). Ultimately, Revelation envisions the New Jerusalem where the river of life flows without drought, eternal שָׂבָע for the redeemed.

Related Hebrew Concepts

• מִשְׁאֶר (prosperity)
• טוּב (goodness)
• שָׁלֹם (wholeness, peace)

Each complements שָׂבָע by broadening the portrait of God’s comprehensive blessing.

Summary

Across its eight appearances, שָׂבָע weaves a tapestry of God-given abundance meant to be received with gratitude, managed with wisdom, and shared with generosity. When embraced rightly, it leads not to complacency but to deeper worship and service, anticipating the eternal satisfaction found in Christ alone.

הַשָּׂבָ֑ע הַשָּׂבָ֖ע הַשָּׂבָֽע׃ הַשָּׂבָע֙ השבע השבע׃ וְהַשָּׂבָע֙ והשבע שָׂבָ֑ע שָׂבָ֥ע שבע haś·śā·ḇā‘ haśśāḇā‘ hassaVa śā·ḇā‘ śāḇā‘ saVa vehassaVa wə·haś·śā·ḇā‘ wəhaśśāḇā‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts