a primitive root; to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon , i.e. (figuratively) refreshed (as if by a current of air); (be) refresh selves (-ed).
Transliteration:nâphash
Pronunciation:naw-fash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5314}}`, *nâphash*, is a primitive root primarily conveying the literal sense "to breathe." From this foundational meaning, it extends semantically to the passive and figurative sense of "to be breathed upon" or "to be refreshed," as if by a current of air. This refreshment implies a cessation from labor, a pause for revitalization. The core concept is intimately tied to the act of respiration, which is fundamental to life itself. Thus, to be *nâphash* is to experience a restoration of vital energy, a recovery from weariness through a period of rest. It denotes a deep, life-sustaining refreshment that goes beyond mere physical repose, touching upon the very essence of one's being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5314}}` in the Hebrew Bible are relatively few but profoundly significant, particularly in their connection to the concept of rest and the Sabbath.
One of the most striking uses appears in the context of the Sabbath command. In [[Exodus 23:12]], the instruction is given: "Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your female servant and the sojourner may be refreshed (*yinnâphēš*)." Here, the verb highlights the compassionate intent of the Sabbath, ensuring that not only the Israelite but also their animals, servants, and even the resident alien, receive necessary respite and rejuvenation. This is not merely a cessation of activity but a deliberate act designed to restore vigor.
Even more remarkably, `{{H5314}}` is used to describe God's own activity at creation. [[Exodus 31:17]] states: "It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed (*wayyinnâphash*)." This anthropomorphic description of the Creator "being refreshed" after His work is deeply theological. It models for humanity the divine pattern of work followed by rest, elevating the act of refreshment to a sacred, divinely ordained principle. It suggests that even the infinite God found a form of completion and satisfaction in His finished work, leading to a state of blessed repose.
Beyond the Sabbath context, the verb also describes physical restoration. In [[2 Samuel 16:14]], it is said of King David and his weary entourage: "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves (*wayyinnâphash*) there." This illustrates the practical, immediate need for refreshment after strenuous exertion, a common human experience that the word aptly captures.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant cognate to `{{H5314}}` is the noun `{{H5315}}` (*nephesh*), typically translated as "soul," "life," "person," or "breath." The etymological connection between *nâphash* (to breathe/be refreshed) and *nephesh* (breath/soul) is profound. The very act of breathing is essential to life, and thus the "soul" or "living being" is intrinsically linked to the breath. To be *refreshed* (*nâphash*) is, in essence, to have one's *nephesh* revitalized. This suggests that the refreshment spoken of is not merely superficial but touches the very core of one's existence.
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H7673}}` (*shâbath*): "to cease," "to rest," the root for "Sabbath." While *shâbath* emphasizes the cessation of work, *nâphash* highlights the restorative outcome of that cessation.
* `{{H5117}}` (*nûach*): "to rest," "to settle down." This term often describes a state of quietude or dwelling, whereas *nâphash* specifically emphasizes the active process of regaining strength through rest.
* The broader concept of "rest" (מְנוּחָה, *mĕnûchâh*) in the Old Testament, which encompasses peace, security, and a settled state, often achieved through divine provision or the cessation of conflict.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5314}}` is multifaceted and profound.
Firstly, it underscores the **divine model for rest**. God's act of "being refreshed" on the seventh day is not an indication of divine fatigue, but rather a demonstration of a profound principle: the completion of creative work culminates in a state of blessed repose. This divine example elevates human rest from a mere physical necessity to a sacred imitation of God's own pattern. It sanctifies the concept of cessation from labor.
Secondly, the use of `{{H5314}}` in the Sabbath commandment highlights God's **compassionate design for creation**. The command to rest is not arbitrary but rooted in the inherent need of all living beings for revitalization. It is a protective measure, ensuring that even the most vulnerable (servants, sojourners, animals) are not exploited but are granted the necessary time for renewal. This reflects God's care for the well-being of all His creatures.
Thirdly, the inherent connection between `{{H5314}}` (to be refreshed) and `{{H5315}}` (nephesh, soul/life) suggests that true refreshment is **holistic**. It is not merely a physical recuperation but a deep, vital renewal that touches the very essence of one's being. To be refreshed is to have one's life force, one's soul, invigorated. This implies that rest is essential for spiritual and emotional well-being, not just physical.
Finally, the concept of being *nâphash* implies a **trust in divine provision**. To cease from labor for a day is to acknowledge that one's sustenance and well-being do not depend solely on ceaseless toil, but ultimately on God's sustaining hand. It is an act of faith, recognizing the divine order and submitting to it for the sake of true flourishing.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5314}}`, *nâphash*, conveys the fundamental meaning "to breathe," extending to the profound concept of "to be refreshed" or "to rest." Its usage in the biblical text is primarily associated with the Sabbath, where it describes both God's own rest after creation and the mandated rest for humanity and all living creatures. The deep connection to `{{H5315}}` (*nephesh*, soul/life) reveals that this refreshment is not superficial but a vital, holistic renewal impacting the very core of one's being. Theologically, *nâphash* serves as a divine model for rest, highlights God's compassionate design for creation, underscores the holistic nature of true refreshment, and implicitly calls for trust in divine provision. It is a word that encapsulates the essential need for cessation from labor for the purpose of profound revitalization, a principle woven into the very fabric of creation and divine law.
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