a primitive root; to tire (as if from wearisome flight); faint, cause to fly, (be) weary (self).
Transliteration:yâʻaph
Pronunciation:yaw-af'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H3286}}` (yâʻaph) is a primitive root primarily conveying the sense of "to tire," "to be weary," or "to faint." The base definition suggests a weariness that can arise from strenuous or prolonged effort, specifically hinting at "wearisome flight." This nuance implies an exhaustion that goes beyond simple fatigue, often associated with a sustained expenditure of energy or a struggle. While the idea of "causing to fly" is present in the broader semantic range of the root in some grammatical forms, its most common and impactful biblical usage centers on the state of being profoundly weary or faint. It describes a condition where one's strength is depleted, leading to physical or even spiritual enervation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H3286}}` in the Hebrew Bible consistently highlight themes of human weakness and divine strength.
* In [[2 Samuel 21:15]], David is described as growing "faint" (וַיָּעַף דָּוִד) during a battle with the Philistines. This context emphasizes physical exhaustion and the vulnerability even of a seasoned warrior, necessitating his men's intervention.
* [[Jeremiah 2:24]] uses `{{H3286}}` in a metaphorical sense, describing a wild donkey in heat: "all who seek her will not weary themselves" (לֹא יִיעֲפוּ) in their pursuit, implying the futility of trying to restrain her. Here, the word speaks to the effort expended in a fruitless endeavor.
* The most profound theological use of `{{H3286}}` appears in Isaiah 40. In [[Isaiah 40:28]], the prophet declares of God: "He does not faint or grow weary" (לֹא יִיעַף וְלֹא יִיגָע). This statement directly contrasts God's inexhaustible power and eternal nature with human limitations.
* Conversely, [[Isaiah 40:30]] states that "even youths shall faint and be weary" (יִיעֲפוּ וְיִגָּעוּ), underscoring the inherent frailty of even the strongest humans.
* The climax of this passage is [[Isaiah 40:31]], a promise of divine renewal: "but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (יָרוּצוּ וְלֹא יִיעָפוּ יֵלְכוּ וְלֹא יִיעָפוּ). Here, `{{H3286}}` is used to describe the human condition that God's power overcomes.
* In [[Jeremiah 51:58]], the prophet pronounces judgment on Babylon, stating that "peoples weary themselves for fire" (וְעַמִּים יִיעֲפוּ־לְאֵשׁ), signifying the ultimate futility and self-destructive nature of their efforts in opposition to God's will.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H3286}}` often appears alongside or in conceptual proximity to other Hebrew terms related to strength, weakness, and endurance:
* `{{H3021}}` (yaga'): Frequently paired with `{{H3286}}`, as seen in [[Isaiah 40:28]] and [[Isaiah 40:30]]. While `{{H3286}}` emphasizes the state of being faint or weary, `{{H3021}}` often conveys the process of toiling to the point of exhaustion or being worn out by labor. The two words together create a strong sense of utter depletion.
* `{{H3581}}` (koach): "strength, power, ability." The absence or depletion of koach is often the direct cause or consequence of one becoming yâʻaph.
* `{{H2688}}` (chalash): "to be weak, prostrate, subdued." This term describes a more general state of weakness, which can be a result of or related to the specific weariness of `{{H3286}}`.
* `{{H7307}}` (ruach): "spirit, wind, breath." While not directly synonymous, the loss of vigor or the feeling of being "out of breath" can be associated with the physical exhaustion implied by `{{H3286}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3286}}` is profound, serving as a linchpin in articulating the contrast between finite humanity and the infinite God.
* **Human Frailty and Dependence:** The repeated application of `{{H3286}}` to humans, even the strong and young, underscores the inherent limitations and weakness of all creation. It highlights humanity's need for a source of strength beyond itself, fostering a posture of dependence on the Divine.
* **Divine Inexhaustibility and Omnipotence:** In stark contrast to human weakness, God is presented as utterly immune to `{{H3286}}`. The declaration in [[Isaiah 40:28]] that God "does not faint or grow weary" is a foundational statement about His eternal, boundless power and unwavering capacity. It assures believers of His constant presence, unwavering support, and infinite resources.
* **The Promise of Divine Empowerment:** The most comforting and hopeful aspect of `{{H3286}}`'s theological usage is found in the promise of [[Isaiah 40:31]]. For those who "wait for the Lord," their human weariness will be overcome by divine strength. This speaks to the transformative power of faith, highlighting that God not only sustains but also empowers His people to transcend their natural limitations, enabling them to persevere without succumbing to exhaustion.
* **Futility of Self-Reliance:** The use of `{{H3286}}` in contexts like [[Jeremiah 51:58]] also serves as a warning against human striving apart from God. Efforts rooted in self-sufficiency or rebellion against divine will ultimately lead to weariness and futility, demonstrating that true and lasting strength comes only from the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H3286}}` (yâʻaph) primarily denotes the state of being "weary" or "faint," often implying physical exhaustion from strenuous effort. While the base definition hints at "wearisome flight," its biblical usage predominantly focuses on this sense of profound fatigue. Its theological significance is profound, serving as a stark contrast between the inherent frailty and limited strength of humanity (e.g., [[Isaiah 40:30]]) and the infinite, inexhaustible power of God, who "does not faint or grow weary" ([[Isaiah 40:28]]). This contrast culminates in the promise that those who trust in the Lord will transcend human weakness, receiving divine strength to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint ([[Isaiah 40:31]]). The word thus serves as a powerful reminder of human dependence and divine sufficiency.
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