### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châphâʼ**, represented by `{{H2644}}`, means to **act covertly** or **do secretly**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 verse** in the Bible. The word is an orthographical variation of another term for "to cover," but is used in a sinister sense to describe clandestine actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H2644}}` is found in [[2 Kings 17:9]], which describes a significant act of disobedience by the children of Israel. The verse states that "the children{H1121} of Israel{H3478} **did secretly** those things{H1697} that were not right against the LORD{H3068} their God{H430}." This covert action involved building **high places** `{{H1116}}` throughout all their cities, from the smallest settlement, "the **tower** `{{H4026}}` of the **watchmen** `{{H5341}}`," to the largest fortified centers, "the **fenced** `{{H4013}}` **city** `{{H5892}}`." The word captures the clandestine nature of their idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H2644}}` is illuminated by several related words from its only appearance:
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (high place): This refers to an elevation or high place. In the context of [[2 Kings 17:9]], these are the idolatrous sites the children of Israel built secretly. The term itself can simply mean height, but here it is tied to their disobedience.
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This primitive root describes the action taken in secret. The children of Israel did not just think wrongly; they actively **built** these high places in defiance of God.
* `{{H5341}}` **nâtsar** (to guard, conceal): The phrase "tower of the **watchmen**" uses this word. Its primitive root meaning to guard or conceal resonates with the covert nature of **châphâʼ**, highlighting a contrast between legitimate watching and illegitimate, hidden activities.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2644}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage, highlighting the theme of secret sin.
* **Clandestine Disobedience:** The word's meaning of "to act covertly" directly characterizes Israel's rebellion. Their sin was not only in the act itself—building high places—but in the deceptive and hidden manner in which they did it against the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` their **God** `{{H430}}` [[2 Kings 17:9]].
* **The Nature of Idolatry:** The secret act was specifically the building of **high places** `{{H1116}}`. This connects the covert action to idolatry, showing that deviation from true worship often begins in secret before becoming an open rebellion.
* **Pervasive Corruption:** The act was performed "in all their cities," from the lookout **tower** `{{H4026}}` to the **fenced** `{{H4013}}` city [[2 Kings 17:9]]. This illustrates how hidden sin can become widespread, corrupting the entire nation from its smallest posts to its strongest centers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2644}}` **châphâʼ** is a highly specific term for acting **secretly** with a sinister connotation. Its lone appearance in [[2 Kings 17:9]] is pivotal, defining the children of Israel's hidden disobedience against God. The word encapsulates the essence of clandestine sin, where the building of idolatrous high places was not an open defiance but a covert corruption that spread throughout the land. It serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sins committed in secret.
TRV