lemma מַאֲפֵלְיָה second vowel, corrected to מַאְפֵלְיָה; prolonged feminine of מַאֲפֵל; opaqueness; darkness.
Transliteration:maʼphêlᵉyâh
Pronunciation:mah-af-ay-leh-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַאְפֵלְיָה (maʼphêlᵉyâh), Strong's H3991, is defined as "opaqueness; darkness." It is described as a prolonged feminine form of מַאֲפֵל (ma'aphel), `{{H3990}}`, which itself denotes "darkness" or "gloom." The root of both words is אָפֵל (aphel), meaning "to be dark" or "to grow dark." The "prolonged feminine" suffix in H3991 suggests an intensified or absolute quality of darkness, implying a profound, perhaps even palpable, obscurity that is impenetrable to light. It conveys a sense of deep, overwhelming gloom, emphasizing the complete absence of light and the resulting inability to perceive or navigate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the lemma מַאְפֵלְיָה (maʼphêlᵉyâh), Strong's H3991, does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. While its root and the closely related lemma מַאֲפֵל (ma'aphel), `{{H3990}}`, are found (e.g., in [[Psalm 88:6]] and [[Proverbs 7:9]]), H3991 itself is a lexical entry derived from the base word, possibly representing a theoretical or less common form of the noun for "darkness." Therefore, there are no direct biblical contexts to analyze for this specific word. However, its existence in lexicons points to a recognized conceptual intensity of darkness within the Hebrew linguistic framework, suggesting a potential for describing extreme, absolute obscurity. The concept of deep, oppressive darkness is certainly prevalent in biblical literature, often conveyed through related terms.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is מַאֲפֵל (ma'aphel), `{{H3990}}`, from which מַאְפֵלְיָה (maʼphêlᵉyâh) is derived. This word appears in contexts describing profound gloom, such as in [[Psalm 88:6]], where the psalmist laments being placed "in dark places" (בְּמַאְפֵלִּים, plural of `{{H3990}}`), signifying a state of utter despair and isolation. Similarly, [[Proverbs 7:9]] speaks of "deep darkness" (בְּאִישׁוֹן לַיְלָה וַאֲפֵלָה), where the related concept of profound obscurity is present.
Other significant Hebrew words for darkness include:
* חֹשֶׁךְ (choshek), `{{H2822}}`: The most common and general term for darkness, often denoting primeval chaos ([[Genesis 1:2]]), the absence of light, or spiritual blindness.
* עֲרָפֶל (araphel), `{{H6205}}`: Refers to thick cloud or dense darkness, frequently associated with the awesome, unapproachable presence of God on Sinai ([[Exodus 20:21]], [[Deuteronomy 4:11]]) or divine judgment.
* צַלְמָוֶת (tsalmaveth), `{{H6757}}`: Literally "shadow of death," conveying extreme darkness, deep gloom, or the perils of the underworld/grave ([[Job 3:5]], [[Psalm 23:4]]).
The "opaqueness" implied by מַאְפֵלְיָה (maʼphêlᵉyâh) aligns conceptually with these terms, emphasizing a darkness that is not merely the absence of light but an active, suffocating presence that obstructs vision and hope.
### Theological Significance
Although מַאְפֵלְיָה (maʼphêlᵉyâh) does not occur in the biblical text, its semantic range—intense, opaque darkness—holds profound theological significance. Darkness in the Bible is a potent symbol, often representing:
* **Chaos and Disorder:** Before creation, darkness covered the deep ([[Genesis 1:2]]), signifying a state of unformed chaos that God's creative word transformed into order and light.
* **Divine Judgment and Wrath:** Darkness frequently accompanies divine judgment, symbolizing the withdrawal of God's favor and the experience of His wrath ([[Exodus 10:21-22]], [[Isaiah 5:30]]). It is a state of spiritual blindness and separation from God's illuminating presence.
* **Human Sin and Ignorance:** Humanity's fallen state is often depicted as dwelling in darkness, characterized by moral corruption, spiritual ignorance, and rebellion against divine truth ([[Proverbs 4:19]], [[Isaiah 9:2]]).
* **Death and Sheol:** The realm of the dead, Sheol, is consistently portrayed as a place of darkness, gloom, and silence, devoid of light and life ([[Job 10:21-22]], [[Psalm 88:6]]).
* **Mystery and Awe:** Paradoxically, God sometimes veils Himself in thick darkness (עֲרָפֶל, `{{H6205}}`) to signify His unapproachable majesty, holiness, and the inscrutability of His ways ([[1 Kings 8:12]], [[Psalm 97:2]]). This is a darkness of awe, not despair.
The concept of "opaqueness" inherent in H3991 underscores the *impenetrability* of this darkness, making it a powerful descriptor for ultimate despair, the dire consequences of sin, or the terrifying reality of divine judgment. It emphasizes a condition where no light can penetrate, signifying complete hopelessness unless divine intervention brings forth light.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma מַאְפֵלְיָה (maʼphêlᵉyâh), Strong's H3991, describes an intense, opaque, and profound darkness, derived from מַאֲפֵל (ma'aphel), `{{H3990}}`. While this specific form does not appear in the Masoretic Text, its lexical definition highlights a concept of absolute obscurity. Thematically, this kind of darkness is deeply woven into the biblical narrative, symbolizing chaos, divine judgment, the human condition apart from God, and the realm of death. It stands in stark contrast to God's light, which represents truth, life, and salvation. The potential for such a strong descriptor of darkness underscores the biblical understanding of extreme spiritual and physical gloom, emphasizing the desperate human need for divine illumination.
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