a primitive root; properly, to wrench, i.e. (figuratively) to subvert; overthrow, pervert.
Transliteration:çâlaph
Pronunciation:saw-laf'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5557 (סָלַף, *çâlaph*) is a primitive root whose core meaning can be understood as "to wrench." This primary sense implies a forceful twisting, distortion, or displacement of something from its proper alignment or state. From this physical action, the word extends figuratively to encompass a range of destructive and corrupting actions: "to subvert," "to overthrow," and "to pervert." "Subvert" suggests an undermining of authority, principles, or an established order, often from within. "Overthrow" points to a more complete reversal or destruction of an existing state. "Pervert" specifically denotes turning something from its right, intended, or original purpose or state into a wrong, corrupted, or unnatural one, often carrying strong moral or ethical connotations. Thus, the semantic range of H5557 spans from physical distortion to profound moral and societal corruption, highlighting an active process of ruining or twisting.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H5557 appears exclusively in the book of Proverbs, consistently conveying its sense of distortion, ruin, or nullification, often in the context of moral choices and their consequences.
* In [[Proverbs 13:6]], it states, "Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." Here, H5557 (תְּסַלֵּף, *təsalēph*) describes the destructive power of wickedness. It doesn't merely hinder but actively twists, ruins, or leads to the downfall of the one who practices it, demonstrating the inherent consequence of moral deviation.
* [[Proverbs 19:3]] declares, "The foolishness of a man perverts his way, and his heart rages against the LORD." The verb H5557 (תְּסַלֵּף, *təsalēph*) illustrates how human foolishness (אִוֶּלֶת, *’iwwelet*) actively corrupts or distorts one's life path (דַּרְכּוֹ, *darkō*), leading to a deviation from the righteous course. This highlights an internal corruption that manifests in external, detrimental behavior.
* [[Proverbs 21:12]] notes, "The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked for their evil." Here, H5557 (מְסַלֵּף, *məsallēph*) describes the action of the "Righteous One" (צַדִּיק, *tzaddiq*), which can refer to God or a righteous person acting as an agent of divine justice. The wicked are "overthrown" or ruined because of their wickedness, indicating a divinely ordained consequence or judgment.
* Finally, in [[Proverbs 22:12]], it is written, "The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous." This verse explicitly attributes the action of H5557 (וַיְסַלֵּף, *wayəsalēph*) to the LORD. God actively frustrates, twists, or nullifies the plans and deceitful utterances of the treacherous, demonstrating His sovereignty in upholding truth and justice against those who seek to pervert it.
Across these occurrences, H5557 consistently portrays an active, often destructive, process of distorting, corrupting, or bringing to ruin, whether by human folly/wickedness or by divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of H5557 resonates with several other Hebrew terms that describe deviation, corruption, or destruction, while maintaining its unique emphasis on "wrenching" or "perverting."
* `{{H6140}}` (עָקַשׁ, *‘āqash*): "to twist, make crooked." This word often describes a moral perversion, particularly of one's path or justice, and is very close in meaning to the "wrenching" aspect of H5557.
* `{{H2040}}` (הָפַךְ, *hāphakh*): "to turn, overturn, overthrow." While H2040 shares the sense of "overthrow," H5557 often implies a more insidious or internal corruption that leads to the overthrow, or a nullification through distortion.
* `{{H7721}}` (שׁוּט, *shûṭ*): "to go astray, turn aside." This word focuses on the act of deviating from a path, whereas H5557 speaks to the active *cause* of that deviation or the ruin that results.
* `{{H7725}}` (שָׁוָה, *shāwāh*): This root has meanings related to "being equal" but also connects to concepts of desolation and ruin (e.g., `{{H7722}}` שָׁאָה, *shā’āh* "to be desolate"). H5557 emphasizes the active perversion that *leads* to such ruin.
* The concept of H5557 stands in stark contrast to words signifying straightness, uprightness, and integrity, such as `{{H3477}}` (יָשַׁר, *yāshar*): "to be straight, upright, right," or `{{H6666}}` (צֶדֶק, *tzedeq*): "righteousness, justice."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5557 is deeply embedded in the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, illuminating the moral architecture of God's creation and His active governance.
1. **Divine Justice and Sovereignty:** The use of H5557 in [[Proverbs 22:12]] is particularly significant. It reveals God's active role in frustrating and overturning the deceitful plans and words of the treacherous. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to justice, His ability to expose and nullify evil, and His ultimate sovereignty over human schemes. He does not merely allow evil to fail but actively "wrenches" or "perverts" its intended outcome, turning it back upon itself or rendering it ineffective.
2. **Moral Accountability and Consequences:** The recurring theme in Proverbs is that human actions, particularly foolishness and wickedness, are not benign. They actively "pervert" or "overthrow" one's own path ([[Proverbs 19:3]]) and lead to ruin ([[Proverbs 13:6]]). This underscores human responsibility for moral choices and the inherent, often self-inflicted, destructive consequences of departing from God's wisdom. It highlights a divinely ordered universe where moral deviation inevitably leads to distortion and downfall.
3. **The Nature of Evil:** H5557 vividly portrays evil as an active, corrupting force. It is not merely the absence of good but a force that "wrenches" and "perverts" what is right and true. Just as a physical object can be twisted out of shape, so too can a person's character, their life's direction, or even the fabric of society be corrupted from God's intended design.
4. **The Contrast with Righteousness:** By juxtaposing the perverting power of wickedness with the preserving power of righteousness (e.g., [[Proverbs 13:6]]), the word emphasizes the critical importance of living in alignment with God's will. Righteousness protects and stabilizes, while wickedness actively distorts and destroys.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5557 (סָלַף, *çâlaph*) fundamentally means "to wrench," extending to "subvert," "overthrow," and "pervert." Its consistent usage in the book of Proverbs paints a vivid picture of the destructive and distorting power of moral deviation. It illustrates how human foolishness and wickedness actively corrupt one's path and lead to ruin, underscoring the inherent consequences of unrighteous living. Furthermore, H5557 powerfully reveals God's active involvement in upholding justice, as He is depicted as the one who "overthrows" or nullifies the deceptive schemes of the treacherous. This word serves as a profound theological warning: actions that distort truth, pervert justice, or deviate from God's design inevitably lead to a state of being twisted, ruined, or rendered ineffective within the divine moral order, often by God's own sovereign hand.
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