English · KJV
H2653

חׇפַף

chophaph /khaw-faf'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root (compare חָפָה, יָחֵף)
Meaningto cover (in protection)
KJV usagecover.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of chophaph — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word chophaph, represented by H2653, is a primitive root defined as to cover (in protection). This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a unique and focused illustration of God's personal and protective care over His people.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H2653 is in Moses' blessing over the tribe of Benjamin in Deuteronomy 33:12. The verse states, "The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders." In this context, the act of covering is performed directly by the LORD, signifying a constant, all-encompassing divine protection bestowed upon those He loves.

Related Words & Concepts

The concept of protective covering is enriched by other words used in the same passage:

  • H7931 shâkan (to reside or permanently stay): This word, used twice in Deuteronomy 33:12, connects the LORD's covering to a state of secure dwelling. It establishes that this protection is not temporary but allows one to abide in safety. For example, the promise that Israel shall dwell safely is a recurring theme Jeremiah 23:6.
  • H983 beṭach (a place of refuge; abstract, safety): This term describes the result of God's covering. To be covered by the LORD is to live in a state of safety and security. This promise is echoed in passages like Proverbs 1:33, which states that those who listen to God shall dwell safely.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H2653 is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.

  • Continuous Protection: The phrase "all the day long" in Deuteronomy 33:12 emphasizes that the covering provided by God is not intermittent but a constant, enduring shield.
  • Intimate Care: The imagery of dwelling "between his shoulders" suggests a very close and personal form of protection, akin to a father carrying and safeguarding a beloved child. The covering is one of intimacy and tenderness.
  • Security in Relationship: The blessing is given to Benjamin as "The beloved of the LORD." This establishes that the divine covering, dwelling, and safety described are all products of a cherished relationship with God.

Summary

In summary, while appearing only once, H2653 offers a profound insight into the nature of divine protection. It moves beyond a general sense of shelter to describe a specific, personal, and constant covering provided by the LORD himself. Its use in Deuteronomy 33:12, alongside words for dwelling and safety, paints a complete picture of the security that comes from being beloved by God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • חֹפֵף

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H7931 שָׁכַן a primitive root (apparently akin (by transmission) to שָׁכַב through the idea of lodging; compare סִכְלוּת, שָׁכַם); to H983 בֶּטַח from בָּטַח; properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adv

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Deuteronomy — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.