a primitive root; to veil or cover; figuratively, to be languid; faint, overlaid, wrap self.
Transliteration:ʻâlaph
Pronunciation:aw-laf'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H5968 (ʻâlaph), a primitive root, fundamentally conveys the idea of "to veil" or "to cover." This literal sense serves as the foundation for its more frequent figurative applications, which denote a state of being overwhelmed, languid, or faint. The semantic range thus extends from a physical act of concealment to an internal condition of profound weakness or despondency. The notion of being "overlaid" or "wrapped oneself" further emphasizes this sense of being enveloped, either literally by a covering or figuratively by an oppressive state. This transition from external covering to internal collapse suggests that the individual is so thoroughly "covered" by distress or weakness that they succumb to it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H5968 in the Hebrew Bible primarily highlight its figurative meaning of fainting, languishing, or being overwhelmed, often due to severe physical or emotional distress.
In [[Genesis 30:42]], the verb describes the "fainting" or "feebleness" of the flocks during Jacob's breeding practices, indicating physical weakness and exhaustion in animals. This is a rare instance of its application to non-human subjects, underscoring a general state of physical debilitation.
The Psalms frequently employ ʻâlaph to describe the overwhelming of the human spirit or soul. In [[Psalm 77:3]], the psalmist laments, "My spirit was overwhelmed," indicating profound emotional and spiritual distress that leads to a state of despondency. Similarly, the title of [[Psalm 102:1]] refers to "a prayer of the afflicted when he is overwhelmed," setting the stage for a lament born of extreme suffering. [[Psalm 107:5]] vividly portrays the wanderers in the wilderness, "Their soul fainted in them," a direct consequence of hunger and thirst, highlighting the physical and spiritual toll of deprivation.
The book of Lamentations powerfully utilizes ʻâlaph to depict the horrific suffering of the people of Jerusalem during its destruction. [[Lamentations 2:11]] describes children and sucklings "swooning" or "fainting" in the streets from hunger and thirst, their very "soul poured out." [[Lamentations 2:12]] reiterates this image, with the young "swooning as the wounded" and their souls being "poured out" into their mothers' bosoms. [[Lamentations 2:19]] again calls for parents to cry out to God for their children "that faint for hunger." These passages underscore the extreme physical collapse brought on by famine and siege. In [[Lamentations 4:9]], those who "pine away" or "faint" from hunger are contrasted with those slain by the sword, emphasizing the agonizing, drawn-out suffering.
Finally, [[Jonah 4:8]] illustrates Jonah's physical distress when the sun beat down on him, causing him to "faint" and wish for death. [[Amos 8:13]] prophesies a future day when "the fair virgins and young men shall faint for thirst," a dire consequence of spiritual and physical famine.
Across these contexts, ʻâlaph consistently portrays a state of extreme weakness, often leading to collapse, brought about by physical deprivation (hunger, thirst, heat) or overwhelming emotional/spiritual anguish. It signifies a complete loss of strength and vitality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H5968 includes several related Hebrew terms that describe states of weakness, sickness, or distress. Words like `{{H2869}}` (*chalah*, "to be sick, weak, or ill") share the concept of physical debilitation. `{{H535}}` (*aman* in the Niphal stem, "to be overcome" or "to faint") offers a close parallel in meaning, particularly when referring to the spirit or soul. Other terms like `{{H3423}}` (*yashav*, which can imply "to sink down" in some contexts) or `{{H5234}}` (*nakah*, in its passive forms, "to be struck down") may touch upon the physical manifestation of collapse.
Conceptually, ʻâlaph is closely tied to ideas of despair, despondency, utter dependence, and the fragility of human life. It stands in stark contrast to concepts of strength, vitality, divine sustenance, and unwavering hope. The "veiling" aspect of its core meaning can also evoke ideas of being shrouded by darkness, sorrow, or a sense of God's hiddenness in times of overwhelming affliction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5968 lies primarily in its portrayal of human vulnerability and the profound need for divine intervention. When individuals, or even a nation, are described as ʻâlaph, it signifies a state of utter powerlessness, where human strength and resources have completely failed. This extreme weakness often serves as a catalyst for a cry to God.
In the Psalms, the "overwhelmed spirit" is not a sign of abandonment, but often the very condition that propels the psalmist into fervent prayer and reliance on God. The lament in [[Psalm 102:1]] is precisely "a prayer of the afflicted when he is overwhelmed," indicating that this state of weakness is a legitimate and even necessary posture before the Lord, inviting His compassion and deliverance. It highlights the truth that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness (`{{G3588}}` *astheneia* in the New Testament, though not a direct lexical link, shares the theological concept).
The graphic descriptions in Lamentations emphasize the depth of suffering that can befall humanity, particularly as a consequence of sin and divine judgment. Yet, even in such dire circumstances, the very act of "fainting" or "swooning" becomes a silent, desperate appeal to the only source of life and sustenance. It underscores the biblical principle that true life, both physical and spiritual, is ultimately sustained by God alone. The word thus serves as a powerful reminder of human finitude and the infinite capacity of God to sustain and revive even those on the brink of collapse.
### Summary
H5968 (ʻâlaph) is a rich Hebrew verb that transitions from a literal meaning of "to veil" or "to cover" to a prevalent figurative sense of "to faint," "to languish," or "to be overwhelmed." Its occurrences in the biblical text consistently depict a state of extreme physical or emotional weakness, often brought on by severe deprivation, distress, or suffering. From the feebleness of animals to the profound despondency of the human spirit, ʻâlaph underscores the fragility of life and the limits of human endurance. Theologically, this word serves as a poignant descriptor of human vulnerability, highlighting the desperate need for divine sustenance and intervention. It often sets the stage for a turning to God, demonstrating that even in the deepest states of collapse, faith can find its voice and seek the Lord's restorative power.
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