### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻărâphel**, represented by `{{H6205}}`, refers to a gloom, specifically a thick or gross darkness, often like that of a lowering sky. It is a potent and specific term for profound darkness, appearing **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. It describes a darkness that is both physical and symbolic, often associated with the very presence of God or with divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6205}}` frequently marks the site of a divine encounter. When God descended on the mountain, Moses drew near "unto the **thick darkness** where God was" [[Exodus 20:21]], and the LORD spoke to the assembly "out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the **thick darkness**" [[Deuteronomy 5:22]]. This association led Solomon to declare that the LORD said he would dwell "in the **thick darkness**" of the temple ([[1 Kings 8:12]]; [[2 Chronicles 6:1]]). The word is also used prophetically to describe the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment characterized as "a day of clouds and of **thick darkness**" ([[Joel 2:2]]; [[Zephaniah 1:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the full spectrum of darkness in scripture:
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (the dark; darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness): This is a more general term for darkness, often appearing alongside `{{H6205}}` to create a scene of overwhelming gloom, as in [[Isaiah 60:2]], where "**darkness** shall cover the earth, and **gross darkness** the people."
* `{{H6051}}` **ʻânân** (a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud): This word for cloud is frequently paired with `{{H6205}}` to describe the visible manifestation of God's presence or judgment. In Ezekiel's prophecy, the scattered sheep will be delivered from the "**cloudy** and **dark** day" [[Ezekiel 34:12]].
* `{{H653}}` **ʼăphêlâh** (duskiness, figuratively, misfortune; concrete, concealment): Often translated as "gloominess," this word is used in parallel with `{{H6205}}` to intensify the description of the Day of the Lord as a day of "darkness and of **gloominess**...and of **thick darkness**" [[Zephaniah 1:15]].
* `{{H6757}}` **tsalmâveth** (shade of death, i.e. the grave (figuratively, calamity)): This term for the "shadow of death" is used in [[Jeremiah 13:16]], where God warns that He will turn the people's hope for light into the **shadow of death** and make it **gross darkness**.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6205}}` is significant, highlighting God's majesty and judgment.
* **Divine Majesty and Mystery:** The thick darkness is not an absence of God but a veil for His unapproachable glory. It surrounds His throne [[Psalms 97:2]] and marks the place of His dwelling [[1 Kings 8:12]], signifying a presence too awesome for humans to behold directly.
* **Theophany and Revelation:** God speaks from within the `{{H6205}}`, as He did at Mount Sinai [[Deuteronomy 5:22]]. The darkness serves as the backdrop for divine revelation, emphasizing the gravity and authority of His words.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** In the prophets, `{{H6205}}` becomes a primary symbol of God's wrath and the coming day of reckoning. It describes a future of distress and desolation for the unrighteous [[Zephaniah 1:15]] and a state of profound spiritual gloom covering the peoples [[Isaiah 60:2]].
* **Metaphor for Calamity:** The word is used to describe a state of utter hopelessness and disaster, where light is turned into the deepest possible gloom, described as "gross darkness" [[Jeremiah 13:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6205}}` is a specific and powerful term for an overwhelming darkness. It moves beyond a simple description of a dark sky to convey profound theological truths. Whether it is veiling the awesome presence of God, serving as the medium for His divine voice, or acting as a terrifying symbol of judgment, **ʻărâphel** consistently points to a reality that is beyond human comprehension and control, inspiring both awe and fear.
TRV