from חׇפַף (in the moral sense of covered from soil); pure; innocent.
Transliteration:chaph
Pronunciation:khaf
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חַף (chaph, `{{H2643}}`) is derived from the root חפף (chaphaph), which commonly denotes "to cover," "to protect," or "to wipe clean." The specific definition provided for חַף emphasizes its usage "in the moral sense of covered from soil." This suggests a state of being unblemished, unsoiled by defilement, or morally "wiped clean." Therefore, the core meaning of חַף is "pure" or "innocent," particularly in an ethical or judicial sense. It signifies a lack of guilt, moral blemish, or culpability, rather than merely physical cleanliness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חַף (chaph, `{{H2643}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant for understanding its nuance:
* **[[Job 33:9]]**: "He says, 'I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me.'"
* **Context**: This verse is part of Elihu's discourse to Job. Elihu is articulating what he perceives to be Job's self-righteous assertion of blamelessness before God. Job has indeed maintained his integrity throughout his suffering, questioning why a righteous man should suffer.
* **Analysis**: In this crucial passage, חַף is used in parallel with בַּר (bar, pure, `{{H1249}}`) and stands in stark contrast to פֶּשַׁע (pesha, transgression, `{{H6588}}`) and עָוֹן (avon, iniquity, `{{H5771}}`). This parallelism and contrast strongly reinforce the meaning of חַף as morally "innocent" or "blameless," free from sin or guilt. It speaks to a perceived state of being unblemished in the eyes of God, reflecting Job's plea for vindication and his assertion that his suffering is not a consequence of his sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding חַף is aided by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms expressing purity, innocence, and righteousness:
* **חפף (chaphaph)**: The verbal root from which חַף is derived. While חפף can mean "to cover" or "to protect," its connection to חַף emphasizes the idea of being "covered *from* defilement" or "wiped clean," underscoring the concept of moral purity.
* **בַּר (bar, `{{H1249}}`)**: Meaning "pure," "clean," or "innocent." As seen in [[Job 33:9]], בַּר is used in parallel with חַף, indicating a strong semantic overlap. בַּר can refer to ritual purity, moral purity, or even the purity of materials.
* **נָקִי (naqi, `{{H5355}}`)**: Translated as "innocent," "guiltless," or "clean." This term is frequently employed in legal contexts to declare someone free of blame or responsibility for a crime, or more broadly, morally pure. Like חַף, it emphasizes the absence of guilt.
* **טָהוֹר (tahor, `{{H2889}}`)**: Meaning "clean" or "pure," often used in a ritual or ceremonial sense, contrasting with טָמֵא (tame, unclean, `{{H2930}}`). While חַף focuses on moral innocence, טָהוֹר typically refers to the cultic purity required for worship and interaction with the sacred.
* **צַדִּיק (tzaddiq, `{{H6662}}`)**: Meaning "righteous" or "just." This term describes one who acts in accordance with divine law and justice. While related to innocence, צַדִּיק emphasizes active adherence to righteousness and right conduct, whereas חַף emphasizes the absence of defilement or guilt.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of חַף in [[Job 33:9]] places it at the heart of a profound theological debate concerning suffering and righteousness. The assertion of being חַף (pure/innocent) by Job, as quoted by Elihu, reflects a deep human longing for vindication and a state of blamelessness before God.
This concept is central to biblical theology, as God consistently demands purity and holiness from His people (e.g., [[Leviticus 11:44]], [[Psalm 24:3-4]]). However, the broader biblical narrative, particularly the prophetic and wisdom literature, often reveals the inherent difficulty, if not impossibility, for human beings to achieve absolute חַף in God's sight due to the pervasive nature of sin (e.g., [[Psalm 14:3]], [[Romans 3:23]]).
Job's assertion of חַף highlights the tension between human self-perception of righteousness and the ultimate divine standard. It underscores the human desire to be free from guilt and the need for a just accounting. Ultimately, the book of Job, and indeed the entire biblical narrative, points beyond human claims of חַף to the necessity of divine grace and atonement for true purity and righteousness in the presence of a holy God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חַף (chaph, `{{H2643}}`) signifies "pure" or "innocent," derived from the concept of being morally "covered from soil" or "wiped clean." Its sole occurrence in [[Job 33:9]] is highly significant, where it is used to describe Job's assertion of his blamelessness before God. In this context, חַף is paralleled with בַּר (pure) and contrasted with פֶּשַׁע (transgression) and עָוֹן (iniquity), underscoring its meaning as moral integrity and freedom from guilt. While related to other terms for purity like נָקִי (innocent) and טָהוֹר (ritually pure), חַף distinctly emphasizes the absence of moral defilement. Theologically, its singular appearance in Job highlights the human assertion of righteousness and the profound biblical theme of human purity in the face of divine holiness, ultimately pointing to the deep human need for divine grace to achieve true and lasting purity.
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