a primitive root; to life, i.e. (figuratively) comfort; raise (up).
Transliteration:zâqaph
Pronunciation:zaw-kaf'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root זָקַף (zâqaph, `{{H2210}}`) is a primitive root, conveying the core meaning of "to lift" or "to raise up." This primary physical sense denotes an upward movement, changing a state from being low, fallen, or bowed to one of erectness or elevation. Figuratively, this physical action extends to the emotional and spiritual realms, signifying "to comfort" or "to restore." When one is dejected, oppressed, or bowed down by sorrow, the act of "raising them up" implies providing solace, restoring dignity, and instilling hope. The semantic range thus encompasses both literal physical elevation and metaphorical emotional or spiritual upliftment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root זָקַף appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences are highly significant, consistently illustrating divine action.
* In [[Psalm 145:14]], it is declared, "The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down." Here, זָקַף is used in parallel with סָמַךְ (samakh, `{{H5564}}`, "to uphold" or "to support"). The phrase "bowed down" (כָּפַף, kâphaph, `{{H3721}}`) typically describes a state of physical or emotional distress, weakness, or humiliation. Yahweh's action of "raising up" is one of compassionate intervention, restoring the afflicted to a posture of strength and hope.
* Similarly, [[Psalm 146:8]] states, "The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous." This verse places זָקַף within a litany of God's benevolent acts towards the vulnerable and marginalized (the blind, the bowed down, prisoners, sojourners, orphans, widows). It reinforces the understanding of God as the active agent who restores, empowers, and brings relief to those in desperate circumstances.
* In [[Leviticus 26:13]], God promises, "I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect." Here, זָקַף describes the state of walking "erect" or "upright." This promise is given in the context of liberation from slavery and oppression. The yoke of bondage forces one to be bowed down; God's act of breaking the yoke allows for a restoration of freedom, dignity, and an upright posture, symbolizing full deliverance.
These contexts consistently present זָקַף as a divine action that reverses negative states, moving individuals from oppression, despair, or humiliation to freedom, hope, and dignity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding זָקַף includes words and concepts that highlight states of elevation, support, and restoration, as well as their opposites.
* **Antonyms/Opposites:** Words denoting "to bow down," "to fall," "to be humbled," or "to be oppressed" stand in contrast to זָקַף. Examples include כָּפַף (kâphaph, `{{H3721}}`, "to bend," "to bow down"), שָׁחַח (shachach, `{{H7817}}`, "to bow down," "to be humbled"), and נָפַל (naphal, `{{H5307}}`, "to fall").
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* עָמַד (ʿāmad, `{{H5975}}`, "to stand," "to stand up"), though זָקַף often emphasizes the *transition* from a non-standing to a standing or erect position.
* קוּם (qum, `{{H6965}}`, "to rise," "to stand up"), similar to עָמַד but often with an emphasis on rising from a prostrate or seated position, or from a state of inactivity.
* סָמַךְ (samakh, `{{H5564}}`, "to uphold," "to support"), as seen in parallel in [[Psalm 145:14]], emphasizing divine sustenance and stability.
* Broader concepts of restoration, deliverance, comfort, and divine intervention are intrinsically linked to the meaning of זָקַף. The word encapsulates God's active role in reversing states of distress and bringing about wholeness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of זָקַף is profound, painting a vivid picture of God's character and His redemptive work.
* **Divine Compassion and Intervention:** The consistent use of זָקַף to describe Yahweh's action towards the "bowed down" in the Psalms ([[Psalm 145:14]], [[Psalm 146:8]]) underscores His active and compassionate care for the afflicted, the weak, and the oppressed. It portrays a God who is not distant or indifferent to suffering but actively intervenes to alleviate it. This is a God who lifts up the downtrodden.
* **Restoration of Dignity and Hope:** To be "bowed down" often signifies a state of humiliation, despair, or servitude. God's act of "raising up" (זָקַף) is a powerful act of restoring dignity, freedom, and hope. This is vividly illustrated in [[Leviticus 26:13]], where liberation from the yoke of slavery allows one to walk erect—a powerful symbol of renewed life and autonomy. This restoration is not merely physical but encompasses the whole person, including their emotional and spiritual well-being.
* **God's Sovereignty and Power:** The ability to truly זָקַף those who are utterly fallen, whether physically or spiritually, lies solely with God. This action transcends human capacity when confronting deep brokenness or systemic oppression. It speaks to His omnipotence and benevolent will, demonstrating that He is the ultimate source of strength and deliverance.
* **Anticipation of Messianic Work:** While זָקַף is not a direct Messianic term, the concept of God raising up the humble and oppressed finds a powerful echo in the ministry of Jesus Christ. His mission, as prophesied in [[Isaiah 61:1-2]] and quoted in [[Luke 4:18-19]], was to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to open the eyes of the blind. This spiritual "raising up" from the bondage of sin, despair, and spiritual blindness is the ultimate fulfillment of the divine action embodied in זָקַף.
### Summary
The Hebrew root זָקַף (zâqaph, `{{H2210}}`) signifies "to lift" or "to raise up," extending figuratively to "comfort" or "restore." Though appearing few times in the biblical text, its usage is profoundly theological. It consistently describes the compassionate and powerful action of Yahweh, who actively intervenes to raise up those who are bowed down by affliction, sorrow, or oppression. This divine act restores dignity, freedom, and hope, transforming states of despair into uprightness and well-being. זָקַף thus serves as a testament to God's character as the ultimate comforter, deliverer, and source of restoration for all who are downtrodden.
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