Who are the…
Sabeans

also known as: Sabaeans and Sebaim

Hebrew: סְבָאִי

Meaning: inhabitants of Seba (Gen. 10:7); descendants of Sheba

Language of these people: Sabaean (an old south Arabic language)

They were “men of stature,” and engaged in trading merchandise (Isa. 45:14).

Their conversion to the Lord was predicted (Psalm 72:10).

Its ancient capital was Marib (Ma'rib) (not mentioned by name in the Bible).

See: SABA/SHEBA

Inspired by Satan, the Sabeans stole from Job and killed his people (Job 1:15).

They are also mentioned in Joel 3:4–8 and Isaiah 45:14.

The Book of Ezekiel

In some Bible translations, the name “Sabeans” appears in Ezekiel 23:42 (KJV) (and NKJV), however this translation is uncertain.

Hebrew: סָבָא —transliteration: caba'

“The sound of a carefree multitude was with her, and Sabeans were brought from the wilderness with men of the common sort, who put bracelets on their wrists and beautiful crowns on their heads.” —NKJV

“The sound of a carefree multitude was with her; and drunkards were brought from the wilderness with men of the common sort. And they put bracelets on the hands of the women and beautiful crowns on their heads.” —NASB (“drunkards” is also used in RSV, ESV, NIV, etc.)

Article Version: March 12, 2019