← Back to Lexicon
H5429 · Hebrew · Old Testament
סְאָה
seah
Noun, feminine
seah — a dry measure (approximately 7 liters)

Definition

Seah is a standard dry measure in ancient Israel, equal to approximately one-third of an ephah (about 7 liters or 7.5 quarts). It was used to measure grain, flour, and other dry goods. The word appears in Genesis 18:6 when Abraham instructs Sarah to take 'three seahs' of fine flour to make bread for the divine visitors. In 2 Kings 7:1, the prophet Elisha promises that 'a seah of fine flour' will sell for a shekel — a sign of miraculous provision after siege.

Usage & Theological Significance

The seah appears in contexts of divine hospitality and miraculous provision. Abraham's three seahs for the Lord at Mamre represent the lavishness of true hospitality before God. The Isaiah 27:8 use of seah (in 'measure by measure/in moderation') shows God's disciplined, careful dealing with His people. The most theologically memorable use may be implicit: Luke 13:21 records Jesus' parable of the woman who hid leaven in three measures (sata = Greek equivalent of seah) — the kingdom expanding from within, hidden but pervasive.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 18:6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. 'Quick,' he said, 'get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.'
2 Kings 7:1 Elisha said, 'Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel.'
Isaiah 27:8 By warfare and exile you contend with her — with his fierce blast he drives her out, as on a day the east wind blows.
Luke 13:21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.
Matthew 13:33 The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️