חָפַר

châphar /khaw-far'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to pry into
Meaningby implication, to delve, to explore
KJV usagedig, paw, search out, seek.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word châphar, represented by H2658, is a primitive root that means to pry into, delve, or explore. It is used to describe actions such as digging, pawing, searching out, or seeking. It appears 22 times across 21 unique verses in the Bible, encompassing a range of both literal and figurative activities.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H2658 is most frequently associated with the act of digging for water. Isaac's servants are repeatedly described as having digged H2658 wells H875 as they moved through the land, an act essential for life and sustenance Genesis 26:19. The word is also used in a military or intelligence context, where spies are sent to search out H2658 the country of Jericho (Joshua 2:2, Joshua 2:3). In a more negative sense, H2658 describes the malicious act of digging a pit H953 as a trap for another, with the digger often falling into their own creation Psalms 7:15. Figuratively, it conveys intense desire, as in Job's longing for death, for which he would dig H2658 more than for hidden treasures Job 3:21.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to frame the meaning of H2658 in its various contexts:

  • H875 bᵉʼêr (a pit; especially a well): This word is the most common object of the action of digging. The repeated effort to dig H2658 a well H875 underscores the critical importance of water and provision in the patriarch's journey Genesis 21:30.
  • H7845 shachath (a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction): This term often appears as the malicious result of digging. Enemies are described as having digged H2658 a pit H7845 for the psalmist's soul H5315, highlighting the use of this action for destructive purposes Psalms 35:7.
  • H776 ʼerets (the earth (at large, or partitively a land)): This word provides the setting for the action. Whether digging wells in the land H776 Genesis 26:22 or searching out a country H776 Deuteronomy 1:22, the action of H2658 is grounded in the physical world.
  • H4301 maṭmôwn (a secret storehouse; hence, a secreted valuable): This word is used to create a powerful metaphor for intense seeking. Job's desire for death is so strong that he would dig H2658 for it more eagerly than for hid treasures H4301 Job 3:21.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H2658 is found in the intent and outcome of the action.

  • Perseverance and Provision: The repeated digging of wells by Isaac, despite contention, culminates in a place he names Rehoboth, where the LORD "hath made room for us" Genesis 26:22. This connects the physical act of digging to faith, perseverance, and receiving God's blessing.
  • Moral Consequence: The principle that one who diggeth H2658 a pit will fall into it is a recurring theme (Ecclesiastes 10:8, Psalms 7:15). This illustrates a fundamental biblical concept of divine justice, where evil schemes become self-destructive.
  • Exploration and Seeking: The act of searching out a land Deuteronomy 1:22 or digging for something of great value points to the human drive to explore and seek. This physical action serves as a picture of the deeper spiritual quest for things of ultimate worth or for understanding God's will.

Summary

In summary, H2658 is a dynamic verb that moves beyond the simple act of digging earth. It illustrates a spectrum of human motivation and effort. It can represent a life-sustaining act of faith, a malicious plot destined to fail, an investigative search for knowledge, or a desperate yearning for something hidden. Through this single word, Scripture shows how the same physical effort can lead to either divine provision or self-inflicted ruin, depending on the heart's intent.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 22 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 5×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 4×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Qal Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 21 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Genesis (7 verses).

7
Genesis
1
Exodus
1
Numbers
2
Deuteronomy
2
Joshua
4
Job
2
Psalms
1
Ecclesiastes
1
Jeremiah

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.