חָפַשׂ

châphas /khaw-fas'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e. let be sought), or mask
KJV usagechange, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word châphas, represented by H2664, is a primitive root with a dual meaning that revolves around searching and concealment. It appears 23 times across 20 unique verses. Its definition encompasses actions like to seek, search diligently, and causatively, to disguise or hide oneself.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H2664 is used to describe both physical and spiritual pursuits. It depicts literal searches, such as when Laban searched for his stolen images Genesis 31:35 or when Joseph's cup was searched for in his brothers' sacks Genesis 44:12. The term also carries a sense of concealment or disguise. King Saul disguised himself to visit the woman at Endor 1 Samuel 28:8, and the king of Israel disguised himself before entering battle 1 Kings 22:30. On a spiritual level, the word is used for introspection, as in the call to "search and try our ways" Lamentations 3:40, and to describe how God's candle, the spirit of man, searches "all the inward parts of the belly" Proverbs 20:27.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to frame the different facets of seeking and hiding:

  • H1245 bâqash (to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after): This term is used alongside châphas to describe a comprehensive search for wisdom, as if for treasure Proverbs 2:4.
  • H2713 châqar (to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately): This word implies a deep and thorough examination and is paired with châphas in the call for spiritual self-assessment, encouraging a turn back to God Lamentations 3:40.
  • H2244 châbâʼ (to secrete; hide (self)): This word stands in direct contrast to searching. In God's declaration of inescapable judgment, He promises to search for those who hide themselves on Mount Carmel Amos 9:3.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H2664 is demonstrated in its contrasting applications.

  • Divine Scrutiny: God is depicted as the ultimate searcher. He will "search Jerusalem with candles" to punish the complacent Zephaniah 1:12 and will search out and take those who try to hide from Him, even in the bottom of the sea Amos 9:3. This highlights His omniscience and judgment.
  • Spiritual Introspection: The word validates the importance of self-examination. The psalmist's spirit makes a "diligent search" Psalms 77:6, and the people are called to "search" their ways and return to the LORD Lamentations 3:40, framing this act as a pathway to repentance.
  • Human Deception: The use of châphas for "disguise" often carries negative connotations. Kings disguise themselves to engage in forbidden activities or to enter battles (1 Samuel 28:8, 2 Chronicles 35:22), illustrating a human tendency to mask one's true self or intentions.

Summary

In summary, H2664 is a dynamic term that moves between the external act of seeking and the internal state of concealment. It encompasses a physical hunt for an object, the deliberate act of putting on a disguise, and the profound spiritual discipline of examining one's own heart. The word powerfully contrasts God's inescapable ability to search out all things with humanity's futile attempts to hide.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 23 occurrences, inflected in 16 grammatical forms.

  • Hithpael Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 4×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Hithpael Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Piel Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 2×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Piel Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Pual Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Pual Participle Passive Singular Masculine Absolute 1×

+ 4 rarer forms

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.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Pual
The passive of the intensive (Piel) stem.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
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 20 verses across 12 books. Most frequent in 1 Kings (3 verses).

2
Genesis
2
1 Samuel
3
1 Kings
1
2 Kings
2
2 Chronicles
1
Job
2
Psalms
3
Proverbs
1
Lamentations
1
Amos
1
Obadiah
1
Zephaniah

Verse Explorer

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