a primitive root; to shine; be light, shew self, (cause to) shine (forth).
Transliteration:yâphaʻ
Pronunciation:yaw-fah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H3313}}` (yâphaʻ) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to shine" or "to radiate light." Its semantic range extends beyond mere illumination to encompass the idea of a powerful, often sudden, manifestation or appearance. It signifies "to show oneself," "to cause to shine forth," or "to appear brilliantly." Unlike a general term for light (`{{H216}}`), `{{H3313}}` often implies an active, dynamic emanation, particularly associated with divine glory or presence. It conveys the sense of something becoming visible or prominent through a brilliant display, suggesting both splendor and impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H3313}}` appears in several significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, predominantly describing divine action:
* **Divine Theophany and Manifestation:** The most prominent use of `{{H3313}}` describes God's glorious self-revelation. In [[Deuteronomy 33:2]], it states, "The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; he shone forth from Mount Paran..." Here, `{{H3313}}` vividly portrays the Lord's majestic and powerful appearance to Israel, bringing His law. Similarly, in the Psalms, the word is frequently employed in prayers for God to intervene with His presence and power. [[Psalm 50:2]] declares, "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth," anticipating His coming in judgment. [[Psalm 80:1]] is a fervent plea, "You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth!" imploring God's saving intervention. Likewise, [[Psalm 94:1]] calls upon the "God of vengeance" to "shine forth," expressing a desire for divine justice to be revealed. In these instances, `{{H3313}}` underscores God's active, visible, and often awe-inspiring presence, whether for salvation or judgment.
* **Light as Blessing or Disfavor:** In the book of Job, `{{H3313}}` takes on a nuanced meaning related to divine favor or the absence thereof. In [[Job 22:28]], Eliphaz advises Job, "You will decree a thing, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways." Here, "shining" signifies prosperity, clarity, and divine blessing upon one's path. Conversely, in [[Job 3:4]], Job, in his despair, cries out, "Let that day be darkness; let not God above look on it, nor light shine upon it," expressing a desire for the complete absence of any divine favor or even existence for that day. Most intriguingly, [[Job 10:3]] asks, "Does it seem good to you to oppress, to despise the work of your hands and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?" Here, "to shine upon" implies to favor, approve, or give success to, used ironically or with a sense of injustice. This usage extends the concept of divine light from mere illumination to the active bestowing of favor or the permitting of prosperity.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H3313}}` is part of a rich semantic field related to light and manifestation in Hebrew.
* **Light (Noun):** `{{H216}}` ('ôr) is the general term for "light," often referring to physical light, creation, or spiritual illumination. `{{H3313}}` describes the *action* of emitting or manifesting such light.
* **To Shine/Glimmer:** `{{H5051}}` (nāgāh) also means "to shine" or "to glimmer," often used for celestial bodies or a radiant face, implying a steady or reflected light. `{{H3313}}`, however, often carries a stronger sense of a powerful, sudden, and active emanation, particularly from a divine source.
* **Glory:** The concept of `{{H3519}}` (kāḇôd), "glory" or "weightiness," is deeply intertwined with `{{H3313}}`. God's "shining forth" is inherently a manifestation of His glory, His inherent splendor and majesty.
* **Presence:** `{{H6440}}` (pānîm), "face" or "presence," often accompanies `{{H3313}}` in descriptions of God's direct encounter or intervention. When God "shines forth," it is His very presence that is made known.
* **Revelation/Theophany:** `{{H3313}}` is a key descriptor for the theological concept of theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind, often accompanied by light, fire, or cloud.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3313}}` is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Revelation and Active Presence:** At its core, `{{H3313}}` underscores God's dynamic and active self-revelation. It portrays a God who is not distant or hidden, but one who "shines forth" to make Himself known, to intervene in human history, and to establish His will. This shining is often associated with the giving of the Law at Sinai, signifying the clarity and authority of divine truth.
* **Source of Light, Truth, and Justice:** As God "shines forth," He brings light into darkness—be it moral, spiritual, or physical. This light illuminates truth, exposes evil, and establishes justice. The calls for God to "shine forth" in the Psalms are fervent prayers for His righteous judgment and deliverance to be made manifest.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention:** The verb emphasizes God's sovereign power to intervene decisively in the world. Whether bringing salvation to His people or judgment upon the wicked, His "shining forth" signifies an undeniable and effective act of His will.
* **Favor and Disfavor:** The usage in Job expands the concept to divine disposition. God's "shining upon" a path or counsel signifies His blessing, favor, and the granting of prosperity, while the withholding of this light implies disfavor or judgment. This highlights God's ultimate control over human destiny and circumstances.
* **Awe and Reverence:** The imagery evoked by `{{H3313}}` is one of overwhelming splendor and power, inspiring awe and reverence in those who witness or anticipate God's glorious manifestation.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H3313}}` (yâphaʻ) fundamentally means "to shine" or "to radiate light," but its theological depth lies in its portrayal of a powerful, active, and often sudden divine manifestation. Primarily, it describes God "shining forth" in theophany, revealing His glory, bringing His law, and intervening in history for judgment or deliverance, as seen in [[Deuteronomy 33:2]] and the Psalms ([[Psalm 50:2]], [[Psalm 80:1]], [[Psalm 94:1]]). Beyond direct revelation, `{{H3313}}` also conveys the concept of divine favor or disfavor, as God's "shining upon" a path can signify blessing and prosperity ([[Job 22:28]]), while its absence or ironic application can denote judgment or the allowance of wickedness ([[Job 3:4]], [[Job 10:3]]). Thus, `{{H3313}}` is a potent descriptor of God's dynamic presence, His sovereign power, and His role as the ultimate source of light, truth, and justice in the world.
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