Original Word: סָעִף
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: ca`iph
Pronunciation: sah-eef
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-eef')
Definition: divided, a sentiment
Meaning: The term סָעִף (sa'iph) is used to denote a state of being divided or having a divided sentiment. It implies a sense of indecision or a lack of singular focus.

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb סָעַף (sa'aph), which means to divide or to branch off.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 1374 • δίψυχος (dipsuchos): This Greek term is used in the New Testament to describe a double-minded person, particularly in James 1:8, "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." The concept parallels the Hebrew סָעִף (sa'iph) in its depiction of indecision and lack of faith.
• Strong's Greek Number 1252 • διακρίνω (diakrino): While not a direct equivalent, this Greek term involves the idea of doubting or wavering, as seen in James 1:6, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." This reflects the divided sentiment expressed by סָעִף (sa'iph).

This lexical entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Hebrew term סָעִף (sa'iph), its biblical usage, and its theological significance, while also connecting it to related Greek concepts in the New Testament.

Usage: The word סָעִף (sa'iph) appears in the context of describing a divided mind or sentiment, often in relation to faith or decision-making. It is used to convey the idea of wavering or being double-minded.

Context: • Contextual Analysis: The term סָעִף (sa'iph) is found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the context of describing a person who is double-minded or indecisive. This concept is often associated with a lack of faith or trust in God, as seen in the biblical narrative.
• Biblical Reference: In 1 Kings 18:21, the prophet Elijah challenges the Israelites, saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." The word סָעִף (sa'iph) is used here to describe the wavering or divided state of the people's hearts as they struggle to choose between following God or Baal.
• Theological Implications: The use of סָעִף (sa'iph) highlights the importance of wholehearted devotion and the dangers of spiritual indecision. It serves as a call to commitment and faithfulness, urging believers to make a definitive choice in their allegiance to God.
• Linguistic Notes: The root verb סָעַף (sa'aph) from which סָעִף (sa'iph) is derived, carries the connotation of splitting or branching, which metaphorically extends to the idea of a divided mind or heart.

Word Origin
see seippah.

[סְעִמָּה] noun feminine division, divided opinion; — plural absolute עַלשְֿׁתֵּי הַסְּעִמִּים 1 Kings 18:21 how long are ye limping on the two divided opinions (as on unequal legs; ᵐ5 ταῖς ἰγνύαις seems an attempt to interpret the figurative; according to Albr^{ZAW xvi (1896) 75 {abbrev}}ס really = legs).

שְׂעִמִּים noun [masculine] plural disquietings, = disquieting or excited thoughts; — ׳שׂ Job 4:13; suffix שְׂעִמַּי (Baer שְׂעִימַּי) Job 20:2 ("" חוּשִׁי).

opinion

Or samiph {saw-eef'}; from ca'aph; divided (in mind), i.e. (abstractly) a sentiment -- opinion.

see HEBREW ca'aph

בִּ֭שְׂעִפִּים בשעפים הַסְּעִפִּים֒ הסעפים שְׂעִפַּ֣י שעפי biś‘ippîm biś·‘ip·pîm Bisippim has·sə·‘ip·pîm hassə‘ippîm hasseipPim śə‘ippay śə·‘ip·pay seipPaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts