The Hebrew word çêʻêph, represented by H5588, is defined as being divided (in mind), or concretely, a skeptic or thought. It appears only 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. Its sole usage presents a concept that stands in direct opposition to the steadfastness of God's law.
The singular appearance of H5588 is in Psalms 119:113, where the psalmist declares, "I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love." In this verse, çêʻêph is presented as the object of hate, contrasted directly with the love for God's law. This establishes a clear dichotomy between the instability of divided thoughts or skepticism and the reliable foundation found in divine precepts. The verse frames this as a matter of personal conviction and allegiance.
The single occurrence of H5588 is defined by its relationship to three other key words in the same verse:
- H8130 sânêʼ (to hate): This primitive root describes the psalmist's active posture toward vain thoughts. The response is not indifference but to hate what is contrary to God, a theme echoed elsewhere, such as in the command for those who love the LORD to hate evil Psalms 97:10.
- H8451 tôwrâh (law): This term for a precept or statute is the direct positive counterpart to H5588. It is the object of the psalmist's love and delight Psalms 1:2. The law is presented as perfect and sure, capable of converting the soul Psalms 19:7.
- H157 ʼâhab (to love): This word, meaning to have affection for, is the chosen response to God's law. This affection is a core tenet, central to the commandment to love the LORD with all one's heart, soul, and might Deuteronomy 6:5.
The theological weight of H5588 is derived from its stark contrast with God's truth.
- The Conflict of the Mind: The word represents a state of being "divided (in mind)" or a skeptic. Its placement in Psalms 119:113 identifies this internal division as something to be hated, an obstacle to a life of devotion.
- A Deliberate Allegiance: The verse does not suggest a passive state but an active choice. There is a call to hate H8130 vain thoughts and to love H157 God's law H8451, framing faithfulness as a conscious decision of the heart and mind.
- The Antidote of Scripture: The prescribed remedy for divided, skeptical thoughts is a love for God's law. This implies that Scripture provides the wholeness, certainty, and truth that a divided mind lacks, as the law of the LORD is "perfect" Psalms 19:7.
In summary, çêʻêph H5588 is a rare but significant term. Though used only once, its meaning as a "divided" or "skeptic" thought is powerfully contextualized in Psalms 119:113. It is placed in direct opposition to God's law H8451, compelling a choice to hate H8130 the former and love H157 the latter. The word serves as a concise biblical illustration of the call to reject a divided mind in favor of wholehearted devotion to the truth of God.
TRV