from עָלַף; an envelope, i.e. (figuratively) mourning; fainted.
Transliteration:ʻulpeh
Pronunciation:ool-peh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5969 (ʻulpeh) is a noun derived from the verb עָלַף ('alaph) `{{H5968}}`, which primarily means "to wrap around," "to cover," or "to faint/swoon." As a noun, ʻulpeh signifies a state or condition of being "enveloped" or "covered." Its base definition extends figuratively to "mourning" or "fainted," indicating a profound state of being overwhelmed. This suggests an internal experience of being completely subsumed by a powerful emotion, such as sorrow or distress, to the point of feeling faint or losing one's composure. The semantic range thus encompasses a deep, overwhelming sense of anguish, a spiritual or emotional faintness, or a state of being entirely consumed by grief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H5969 (ʻulpeh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 77:3]]: "I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed (עֻלְפֶּה). Selah."
In this sole occurrence, the Psalmist (Asaph) is recounting a period of intense distress. The term ʻulpeh is used to describe the state of his "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach). This is not a physical fainting, but rather a profound spiritual or emotional overwhelming. His spirit is depicted as being so deeply troubled and burdened that it feels "enveloped" or "covered" by anguish, akin to being suffocated by sorrow. The context of "remembering God" yet being "troubled" and "complaining" highlights a struggle of faith amidst immense personal suffering. The ʻulpeh of his spirit signifies the depth of his internal turmoil, a state where his inner being feels completely overcome by distress, even to the point of spiritual exhaustion or despair. This single, poignant use underscores the intensity of the Psalmist's lament and the reality of profound inner suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which H5969 derives: עָלַף ('alaph) `{{H5968}}`. This verb frequently describes physical fainting or swooning due to hunger, thirst, or heat, as seen in [[Lamentations 2:11]] ("swoon in the streets"), [[Lamentations 2:12]] ("swooned as the wounded"), and [[Jonah 4:8]] ("he fainted" from the sun). While the root often denotes a physical collapse, the noun H5969 (ʻulpeh) in [[Psalm 77:3]] applies this concept to the *spirit* (רוּחַ, ruach `{{H7307}}`), transforming it into a descriptor of profound internal distress rather than a bodily function.
Other related concepts and words that express deep sorrow or anguish include:
* כָּאָב (ka'av) `{{H3510}}`: to be in pain, sorrow, grief.
* יָגֹון (yagon) `{{H3015}}`: sorrow, grief, distress.
* עָצֶב ('atsev) `{{H6093}}`: pain, sorrow, toil.
* דָּוָה (davah) `{{H1738}}`: to be sick, faint, ill (used for physical and emotional distress).
The unique contribution of ʻulpeh is its emphasis on being *covered* or *enveloped* by this distress, suggesting an inescapable and pervasive quality to the suffering.
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of H5969 in [[Psalm 77:3]] carries significant theological weight. It profoundly illustrates the **vulnerability of the human spirit** even in the lives of those who seek God. Asaph, a leader of worship, openly admits to a state where his spirit is ʻulpeh—overwhelmed and faint with distress. This highlights the biblical recognition that deep emotional and spiritual anguish is a real and legitimate human experience, not antithetical to faith.
Furthermore, this usage contributes to the **theology of lament** within the Psalms. It demonstrates that the biblical authors did not shy away from expressing the most profound depths of human suffering and despair to God. The act of voicing this ʻulpeh state before the Divine suggests an implicit trust in God's capacity to hear, understand, and respond to such overwhelming sorrow. It underscores a God who is not distant from human suffering but is intimately aware of the internal ʻulpeh that can afflict the soul. The Psalmist's remembrance of God, even in his troubled state, points to a turning *towards* God as the ultimate source of solace, even when solace seems elusive. It is a powerful affirmation that authentic faith includes wrestling with profound inner turmoil and bringing that ʻulpeh spirit before the Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5969 (ʻulpeh) is a unique and potent term, appearing only once in the Old Testament in [[Psalm 77:3]]. Derived from the verb עָלַף (to faint, to be covered), ʻulpeh describes a spirit that is profoundly "overwhelmed" or "enveloped" by distress. Unlike its verbal root which often denotes physical fainting, ʻulpeh in its singular occurrence refers to an intense, internal state of being covered by sorrow or anguish, akin to an emotional or spiritual collapse. This rare but impactful word underscores the deep vulnerability of the human spirit and the biblical tradition of honest lament, allowing for the articulation of profound inner suffering before God. It implicitly points to a God who hears and comprehends such overwhelming distress, inviting those whose spirits are ʻulpeh to turn to Him for comfort and solace.
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