### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term hăphugâh (`{{H2014}}`) is a noun derived from the verb root pûg (`{{H6313}}`), which carries the primary sense of "to grow faint," "to become numb," "to be slack," or "to cease." Consequently, hăphugâh itself signifies a "cessation," "relaxation," or "intermission." It denotes a pause or a temporary break from an ongoing state, activity, or condition, often implying a respite from toil, suffering, or intense effort. The semantic range is quite narrow, specifically pointing to the absence of continuity or the presence of a temporary halt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word hăphugâh (`{{H2014}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Lamentations 2:18]]. The verse reads: "Their heart cried to the Lord; O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a torrent day and night; give yourself no relief [literally, 'let not the apple of your eye cease,' or 'have no hăphugâh'], let not your eye know rest."
In this profound lament, the prophet (or the voice of Jerusalem personified) is urging the "daughter of Zion" (Jerusalem) to engage in ceaseless and overflowing lamentation. The phrase "let not your eye have hăphugâh" is a powerful command for uninterrupted weeping and crying out to God. It underscores the depth of the city's affliction and the desperate need for continuous, unremitting supplication. The context is one of extreme national distress and divine judgment, where any "relaxation" or "intermission" from fervent prayer and mourning is deemed inappropriate and even detrimental. The singular occurrence of hăphugâh in this highly emotional and urgent plea amplifies its impact, emphasizing the dire necessity of unceasing spiritual engagement.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root pûg (`{{H6313}}`):** As the direct root, pûg provides the foundational meaning of ceasing or becoming faint. Other forms of this root can describe a weakening of strength or a cessation of a process. The noun hăphugâh precisely encapsulates the state of such cessation or relaxation.
* **Words for Cessation/Rest:**
* dāmâh (`{{H1826}}`): To be silent, cease, be cut off. This verb is notably used in the same verse as hăphugâh in [[Lamentations 2:18]], "let not your eye *cease* [dāmâh] from tears." This parallel usage reinforces the meaning of hăphugâh as a complete absence of cessation.
* nûaḥ (`{{H5117}}`): To rest, settle, be quiet. Broader in scope, often referring to a state of peace or a settled condition (e.g., God resting on the seventh day).
* shābath (`{{H7673}}`): To cease, desist, rest. Primarily associated with the Sabbath, denoting a complete cessation of work or activity.
* râga' (`{{H7280}}`): To stir, disturb, but can also mean to be quiet or at rest in certain contexts.
* **Concepts of Lamentation and Perseverance:** The context in Lamentations links hăphugâh to the theological theme of persistent, unceasing prayer and lamentation in times of profound suffering and national crisis. It stands in stark contrast to the idea of taking a break, highlighting the urgent and continuous nature of seeking God's face.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of hăphugâh (`{{H2014}}`) in [[Lamentations 2:18]] carries a potent theological message. It underscores the profound necessity of *uninterrupted* and *unrelenting* supplication and lamentation when a people are under severe divine judgment or experiencing overwhelming suffering. The command "let not your eye have hăphugâh" is a call to persistent prayer, a refusal to cease appealing to God's mercy despite the dire circumstances.
Theologically, this passage reveals a God who, even in His righteous judgment, remains accessible to the persistent cries of His people. The absence of hăphugâh in lamentation is an act of profound faith, demonstrating a conviction that only through continuous, heartfelt petition can there be hope for divine intervention and eventual restoration. It serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the principle of perseverance in prayer, urging believers not to grow faint or slack in their spiritual discipline, especially during periods of intense trial or spiritual warfare. It implies that true repentance and earnest seeking of God require an unwavering commitment, with no "intermission" until His grace is fully manifested.
### Summary
The Hebrew word hăphugâh (`{{H2014}}`) signifies "relaxation" or "intermission," derived from the root pûg (`{{H6313}}`), meaning "to cease" or "to grow faint." Its sole occurrence in the biblical text is found in [[Lamentations 2:18]], where it is used in a powerful negative injunction: "let not your eye have hăphugâh." This command urges the "daughter of Zion" to engage in unceasing lamentation and prayer in the face of overwhelming national devastation. Theologically, hăphugâh highlights the critical importance of persistent, unwavering supplication and spiritual vigilance, particularly during times of profound suffering and divine judgment. It underscores the truth that there are moments in the spiritual life when "intermission" from seeking God's face is not an option, calling for continuous and fervent engagement until His mercy prevails.
TRV