סָפַח

çâphach /saw-fakh'/ Ask about this word
Meaningor שָׂפַח; (Isaiah 3:17), a primitive root; properly, to scrape out, but in certain peculiar senses (of removal or association)
KJV usageabiding, gather together, cleave, smite with the scab.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word çâphach, represented by H5596, is a primitive root with a range of meanings related to removal or association. Its primary definition is to scrape out, but it is used in scripture to mean abiding, gathering together, cleaving, or to smite with a scab. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, with an alternate spelling used in Isaiah 3:17.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The usage of H5596 in scripture highlights its dual application to both positive association and negative affliction. In a positive sense, it describes how strangers will cleave to the house of Jacob, joining with God's people Isaiah 14:1. It can also signify a desperate need for attachment, as when a destitute man begs to be put into a priest's office to survive 1 Samuel 2:36. Conversely, it is used for divine punishment, where the Lord will smite with a scab the daughters of Zion Isaiah 3:17. The word also depicts being forcibly removed from a place of belonging, as David laments being driven from abiding in the Lord's inheritance 1 Samuel 26:19.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H5596 is used:

  • H3867 lâvâh (to twine, i.e. (by implication) to unite, to remain): This word is used in parallel with H5596 in Isaiah 14:1, where strangers will be joined H3867 and cleave H5596 to Israel, reinforcing the theme of association.
  • H1644 gârash (to drive out from a possession): This word acts as an antonym in 1 Samuel 26:19. David has been driven out H1644, preventing him from abiding H5596 in God's inheritance, which shows the opposing actions of forced removal versus staying attached.
  • H7812 shâchâh (to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)): In 1 Samuel 2:36, a man will crouch H7812 in an act of desperation to beg that he be put H5596 into a priestly role, showing an act of obeisance to gain a position of attachment.
  • H5647 ʻâbad (to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve): The consequence of being driven from abiding H5596 in the Lord's inheritance is being told to go serve H5647 other gods, linking physical separation from God's land with spiritual separation 1 Samuel 26:19.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5596 is evident in its application to one's relationship with God and His people.

  • Inclusion in the Covenant: The word positively frames the inclusion of gentiles, who will cleave H5596 to the house of Jacob, becoming part of the community of faith Isaiah 14:1.
  • Separation from God: To be removed from abiding H5596 in the Lord's inheritance is presented as a curse, a separation that forces one toward the service of false gods 1 Samuel 26:19. This positions physical and spiritual belonging as fundamentally intertwined.
  • Divine Judgment: The term is also an instrument of divine judgment. God himself smites with a scab H5596 as a punishment, demonstrating that an "attachment" can also be a form of affliction directly from the Lord Isaiah 3:17.

Summary

In summary, H5596 is a multifaceted word that conveys concepts of both connection and affliction. Its meaning shifts dramatically with context, from the blessed act of strangers cleaving to Israel, to the desperate plea of a man seeking to be attached to the priesthood, to the painful judgment of God smiting with a scab. Through its varied uses, H5596 illustrates the profound biblical themes of belonging, exclusion, and the direct hand of God in the affairs of humanity.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms.

  • Hithpael Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Pual Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Pual
The passive of the intensive (Piel) stem.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in 1 Samuel (2 verses).

2
1 Samuel
1
Job
2
Isaiah
1
Habakkuk

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