from נָפַח; a breathing out (of life), i.e. expiring; giving up.
Transliteration:mappâch
Pronunciation:map-pawkh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H4646 mappâch (מַפָּח) is derived from the verbal root naphaḥ (נָפַח, `{{H5301}}`), which means "to breathe, blow, puff." As a noun, mappâch denotes the *act* or *result* of breathing out. Its primary semantic range is therefore "a breathing out (of life)," signifying the moment of expiration or the giving up of one's breath. It encapsulates the final, decisive act of life's cessation, the surrender of the life-breath or spirit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H4646 mappâch is exceedingly rare, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible, which amplifies its impact in that specific context.
* **[[Job 11:20]]**: "But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be the **giving up of breath**." (וְתוֹחַלְתָּם מַפַּח נָפֶשׁ)
* This verse is part of Zophar's second speech to Job, where he dogmatically asserts the inevitable suffering and demise of the wicked.
* The phrase "מַפַּח נָפֶשׁ" (mappâch nephesh) literally translates to "the breathing out of the soul/life." Here, nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, `{{H5315}}`) refers to the life-breath or soul.
* Zophar uses mappâch nephesh to describe the ultimate, bleak end of the wicked's hope. Their expectation for the future culminates not in fulfillment or prosperity, but in the definitive, irreversible cessation of life itself. It is a powerful and stark image of futility and finality, emphasizing that all their earthly aspirations and desires will ultimately expire with their last breath. The term underscores the absolute termination of their existence and, by extension, their hope.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **נָפַח (naphaḥ, `{{H5301}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to breathe, blow." This connection is vital, as mappâch describes the *act* of breathing out. The same root is famously used in [[Genesis 2:7]] where God "breathed into" (וַיִּפַּח) Adam the breath of life, creating a profound contrast with mappâch as the *breathing out* of life.
* **נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, `{{H5315}}`):** "Soul, life, breath, person." Frequently paired with mappâch as "mappâch nephesh," it clarifies that it is the very essence of life or the living being that is being exhaled.
* **רוּחַ (ruach, `{{H7307}}`):** "Spirit, wind, breath." While ruach can refer to the life-breath that departs at death, mappâch specifically denotes the *act* of that breath being expelled. Ruach is broader, encompassing divine Spirit and wind.
* **מות (mût, `{{H4191}}`):** The general Hebrew verb "to die" and its corresponding noun "death." mappâch describes a specific, active aspect of the dying process – the final exhalation – rather than merely the state of being dead.
* **גוע (gava', `{{H1478}}`):** "To expire, die, pass away." This verb often describes the cessation of life, similar in meaning to mappâch but as a verbal action rather than a noun for the act itself.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of mappâch carries significant theological weight, particularly in the context of Job.
* **The Fragility and Transience of Life:** mappâch starkly reminds humanity of its finite nature. Life, divinely imparted through breath (cf. [[Genesis 2:7]]), is ultimately given up. This highlights the inherent fragility of human existence and its complete dependence on the Creator.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Life and Death:** While the immediate context in Job focuses on the wicked, the underlying root naphaḥ points to God as the source of breath and life. Therefore, the "breathing out" of life, or death, is ultimately under divine sovereignty. It underscores that life is not an inherent possession but a stewardship, and its cessation is part of God's ultimate control over creation.
* **The Futility of Wicked Hope:** In [[Job 11:20]], mappâch nephesh serves as a potent theological statement about the ultimate end for those who disregard God. Their hope, no matter how cherished or diligently pursued, will culminate in nothing but the final, irreversible cessation of life. This provides a sobering counterpoint to worldly aspirations, emphasizing that true hope must transcend mortal existence.
* **Contrast with Creation:** The word stands in profound contrast to the initial divine act of "breathing life" into humanity. This juxtaposition underscores the full cycle of life's journey, from divine impartation to final exhalation, all within the Creator's overarching plan and power.
### Summary
H4646 mappâch is a rare and powerful Hebrew noun, derived from the root naphaḥ (to breathe). It precisely denotes "a breathing out (of life)" or "expiring." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Job 11:20]] as "mappâch nephesh" (the giving up of breath) serves as a stark and definitive declaration concerning the end of the wicked's hope, emphasizing its ultimate futility and cessation in death. Theologically, mappâch underscores the profound fragility and transient nature of human life, highlights divine sovereignty over both creation and the cessation of life, and acts as a solemn reminder that all earthly hopes apart from God are ultimately subject to the final exhalation.
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