from יָפַע; splendor or (figuratively) beauty; brightness.
Transliteration:yiphʻâh
Pronunciation:yif-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H3314 (יִפְעָה, yiphʻâh) is derived from the verbal root H3313 (יָפַע, yâphaʻ), which signifies "to shine," "to radiate," or "to cause to shine forth." Consequently, H3314 carries the semantic weight of the *result* or *manifestation* of this shining. Its core meaning encompasses "splendor," "brightness," "radiance," and "beauty" that is characterized by brilliance or a glorious appearance. While it can denote a literal, physical luminescence, its usage in the biblical text often extends to a more figurative sense, describing a majestic, impressive, or even dazzling quality, whether of a person, an object, or a concept. It speaks to an outward display of magnificence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3314 appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the prophetic books of Ezekiel and Daniel. Its limited occurrences, however, are highly significant for understanding its nuanced meaning:
* **Ezekiel 28:7**: In the lament concerning the King of Tyre, God declares, "They will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and defile your splendor (וְאֶת־יִפְעָתֶךָ)." Here, yiphʻâh is linked directly to the king's wisdom and seems to refer to the outward, impressive manifestation of his perceived sagacity and power. It is a quality that is subject to defilement and destruction.
* **Ezekiel 28:17**: Continuing the lament against Tyre, it states, "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor (יִפְעָתֶךָ)." This verse explicitly connects yiphʻâh to the king's pride and self-exaltation. His "splendor" – an external, perhaps God-given, attribute – became the object of his self-worship, leading to his corruption and eventual downfall. It highlights the danger of glory that is not properly attributed to its divine source.
* **Ezekiel 31:7**: Describing the magnificent Assyrian cedar, a metaphor for a powerful nation, the text notes, "Thus it was beautiful (בְּיִפְעָתוֹ) in its greatness, in the length of its branches, for its roots were beside abundant waters." Here, yiphʻâh denotes the majestic, flourishing beauty and impressive stature of the tree, symbolizing the nation's prosperity and grandeur. Like Tyre's splendor, this yiphʻâh is also transient, as the cedar is ultimately cut down.
* **Daniel 11:20**: This verse describes a future king who will be replaced by one "who will be despised, and to whom royal majesty and splendor (הוֹד וְיִפְעָה) has not been given." In this context, yiphʻâh is paired with `{{H1935}}` (הוֹד, hod, "majesty, glory") to describe the outward display of royal dignity, power, and impressive appearance that a king typically possesses. The absence of this yiphʻâh signifies a lack of legitimate or recognized authority.
Across these contexts, yiphʻâh consistently refers to an external, often dazzling, quality of beauty, radiance, or impressive appearance, which, when possessed by created beings or entities, can become a source of pride and is ultimately subject to transience and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H3314 is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms that convey similar or contrasting ideas:
* **H3313 (יָפַע, yâphaʻ)**: The foundational verb from which H3314 is derived. This verb means "to shine," "to give light," or "to appear gloriously." Its usage often describes divine manifestation, as in God shining forth from Mount Paran ([[Deuteronomy 33:2]]) or from Zion ([[Psalm 50:2]]). The noun yiphʻâh is thus the *result* or *quality* of such shining.
* **`{{H3519}}` (כָּבוֹד, kāḇôḏ)**: This is the most common word for "glory," often referring to the intrinsic, weighty, and eternal glory of God. While yiphʻâh describes an outward splendor, kāḇôḏ can denote a deeper, inherent glory, though it too can be manifested outwardly. The distinction often lies in yiphʻâh's association with created, often fleeting, beauty.
* **`{{H1935}}` (הוֹד, hod)**: Meaning "majesty," "splendor," or "glory," hod is frequently used for both divine and human majesty. In [[Daniel 11:20]], yiphʻâh appears alongside hod, suggesting a close semantic relationship, both referring to the outward display of royal dignity.
* **`{{H8597}}` (תִּפְאֶרֶת, tifʼereṯ)**: This term signifies "beauty," "glory," or "splendor," often in the sense of something magnificent, praiseworthy, or an object of pride. Like yiphʻâh, it can describe human or created beauty but is also used for divine glory or the beauty of the temple.
* **`{{H2129}}` (זֹהַר, zohar)**: Found only in [[Daniel 12:3]], meaning "brightness" or "radiance," specifically of those who turn many to righteousness. It shares the sense of luminosity with yiphʻâh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3314 (יִפְעָה) lies in its subtle yet profound commentary on the nature of splendor, particularly when possessed by humanity or created entities.
1. **The Danger of Created Splendor**: The most prominent theological lesson derived from yiphʻâh is its association with pride and the subsequent fall. In Ezekiel's lament over Tyre, the king's yiphʻâh (splendor/beauty) becomes the very instrument of his spiritual corruption and judgment. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: when created beauty or power is exalted by its possessor, rather than acknowledged as a gift from God, it leads to idolatry of self and inevitable destruction. The fleeting nature of the Assyrian cedar's yiphʻâh in Ezekiel 31 further underscores this transience.
2. **Contrast with Divine Glory**: While yiphʻâh describes an outward, often temporary, and sometimes deceptive radiance, the true and eternal source of all splendor is God Himself. Though H3314 is not directly applied to God, its root verb `{{H3313}}` (yâphaʻ) frequently describes God "shining forth" in glory and majesty ([[Psalm 80:1]], [[Psalm 94:1]]). This implies a theological contrast: genuine yiphʻâh originates from God, and any human yiphʻâh that becomes an end in itself is a perversion of that divine gift.
3. **Ephemeral Nature of Earthly Glory**: The contexts of Tyre and Assyria demonstrate that yiphʻâh, when applied to human kingdoms or individuals, is inherently ephemeral. It can be defiled, corrupted, and taken away. This serves as a powerful reminder of the vanity of earthly pomp and the ultimate supremacy of God's enduring glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3314 (יִפְעָה, yiphʻâh) denotes "splendor," "brightness," or "beauty" that shines forth. Derived from the verb "to shine" (`{{H3313}}`), it describes an outward, often dazzling, manifestation of glory or impressive appearance. Its rare but significant occurrences in the biblical text, particularly in Ezekiel and Daniel, consistently link yiphʻâh to the allure and deceptive nature of created beauty and power. The most prominent theological insight is its association with pride and the subsequent downfall, as seen in the lament over the King of Tyre, whose yiphʻâh became the source of his corruption. It serves as a stark reminder of the transient and dangerous nature of human-exalted glory, contrasting implicitly with the eternal and holy splendor that belongs to God alone.
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