from סָפַן; a (sea-going) vessel (as ceiled with a deck); ship.
Transliteration:çᵉphîynâh
Pronunciation:sef-ee-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word "סְפִינָה" (H5600), transliterated çᵉphîynâh, is defined as "a (sea-going) vessel (as ceiled with a deck); ship." Its etymology is directly linked to the verb "סָפַן" (sāphan, `{{H5603}}`), which means "to cover," "to overlay," "to panel," or "to ceil." This derivation is crucial to understanding the precise nuance of H5600. While other Hebrew terms exist for "ship" (e.g., `{{H591}}`), "סְפִינָה" specifically emphasizes the construction of the vessel, particularly its *decked* or *covered* nature. It refers to a ship substantial enough to possess an internal structure or deck, distinguishing it from a mere open boat. The semantic range is therefore narrow and precise, focusing on a robust, sea-worthy vessel with an enclosed or covered interior.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word "סְפִינָה" (H5600) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Jonah.
* **[[Jonah 1:5]]**: "The mariners were afraid; and every man cried to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship, and had lain down and was fast asleep."
In this sole occurrence, "סְפִינָה" refers to the specific vessel Jonah boarded in Joppa to flee from the Lord's command to go to Nineveh. The context highlights several key aspects:
1. **Substantiality**: The ship is large enough to carry significant cargo, which the mariners jettison to lighten the load during the storm. This implies a merchant or passenger vessel capable of long-distance travel, not a small craft.
2. **Interior Space**: The text explicitly states that Jonah "had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship" (literally, "into its sides" or "into its holds"). This detail directly aligns with the "decked" or "ceiled" aspect of "סְפִינָה," indicating a vessel with an enclosed lower deck or hold where one could retreat and sleep.
3. **Fleeing God**: The ship serves as the instrument of Jonah's attempted escape. He seeks refuge within its covered interior, attempting to hide from the divine presence. The very nature of the "סְפִינָה" as a "covered" space subtly underscores Jonah's desire for concealment.
The use of H5600 here is highly specific, emphasizing the ship's capacity to contain and conceal, which becomes central to the narrative of Jonah's flight and God's inescapable pursuit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb**: The direct etymological root is "סָפַן" (sāphan, `{{H5603}}`), meaning "to cover," "to panel," or "to ceil." This verb is used in contexts like covering wooden beams with cedar (e.g., [[1 Kings 6:9]], [[1 Kings 6:15]]) or the heavens being "covered" (e.g., [[Psalm 104:2]]). This connection clarifies that "סְפִינָה" is not just any ship, but one characterized by its enclosed or decked construction.
* **General Terms for Ship**: The most common Hebrew word for "ship" or "vessel" is "אֳנִיָּה" ('onîyâh, `{{H591}}`) or its related form "אֳנִי" ('onî, `{{H639}}`). These terms are more general and do not carry the specific nuance of being "decked" or "covered" in their root meaning. While H591 is also used in the Jonah narrative (e.g., [[Jonah 1:3]], [[Jonah 1:4]]), the specific choice of H5600 in [[Jonah 1:5]] for the ship's interior highlights its structural quality relevant to Jonah's actions.
* **Concepts**: The concept of maritime travel is central, often symbolizing human endeavor, trade, and exploration. In Jonah, however, it becomes a vehicle for disobedience and the futility of human attempts to escape divine command. The idea of "covering" or "hiding" is also paramount, reflecting Jonah's desire for concealment from God's presence.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of "סְפִינָה" (H5600) in [[Jonah 1:5]] carries profound theological weight. The ship, a product of human ingenuity and construction, becomes the stage for a dramatic confrontation between divine sovereignty and human rebellion.
1. **Futility of Escape**: The "סְפִינָה" represents Jonah's desperate, yet ultimately futile, attempt to flee from the Lord. No matter how large or well-constructed the vessel, no human creation can provide refuge from the omnipresent and omnipotent God. The storm that engulfs the ship is a direct manifestation of God's pursuit, demonstrating that His will cannot be circumvented by earthly means or distant voyages.
2. **The Illusion of Concealment**: The very definition of "סְפִינָה" as a "covered" or "decked" vessel subtly reinforces Jonah's attempt to hide. He descends "into the innermost parts of the ship," seeking a hidden, enclosed space away from the divine gaze. Yet, God's power penetrates even this seemingly secure and concealed environment, exposing Jonah's disobedience and illustrating that there is no place where one can truly hide from the Creator (cf. [[Psalm 139:7-12]]).
3. **Divine Control Over Creation**: The narrative underscores God's absolute control not only over the prophet but also over the natural elements and human endeavors. The "סְפִינָה" and its crew are entirely subject to God's command, becoming instruments in His plan to bring Jonah to repentance. The ship, intended for human travel, is repurposed by divine will to teach a profound lesson about obedience and the inescapable reach of God's presence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word "סְפִינָה" (H5600), transliterated çᵉphîynâh, denotes a "sea-going vessel (as ceiled with a deck); ship." Derived from "סָפַן" (sāphan, `{{H5603}}`), meaning "to cover" or "to panel," it specifically highlights the ship's enclosed or decked construction. Its sole occurrence in [[Jonah 1:5]] is highly significant, portraying the substantial ship Jonah boarded to flee God's command. In this context, "סְפִינָה" serves as a powerful symbol of human endeavor and the illusion of concealment. Jonah's descent into its "innermost parts" underscores his futile attempt to hide from the Lord, demonstrating that no human-made construct, however "covered" or secure, can provide refuge from the omnipresent and sovereign God. The word's unique usage in Jonah's narrative thus emphasizes the inescapable reach of divine will and the futility of rebellion against the Almighty.
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