### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăphêlâh**, represented by `{{H653}}`, refers to a profound darkness or gloominess. It is a feminine noun that appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses**. Its meaning extends from literal duskiness and concealment to the figurative concepts of misfortune and calamity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H653}}` is used to describe both physical and metaphorical darkness. It is used literally to describe the plague of "thick **darkness**" that covered the land of Egypt for three days [[Exodus 10:22]]. Figuratively, it characterizes the path of the wicked, which "is as **darkness**" where they do not know what makes them stumble [[Proverbs 4:19]]. It is also a key descriptor for the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment portrayed as "a day of darkness and of **gloominess**" ([[Joel 2:2]], [[Zephaniah 1:15]]). This gloominess can also be a direct consequence of sin, where a person is cursed to "grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in **darkness**" [[Deuteronomy 28:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the spectrum of darkness and light in the Bible:
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (the dark; darkness; misery, destruction): This is a general term for darkness, often used to signify wickedness or sorrow. It appears with `{{H653}}` in the plague on Egypt [[Exodus 10:22]].
* `{{H6205}}` **ʻărâphel** (gloom; (gross, thick) dark (cloud, -ness)): This term denotes a heavy, thick darkness, often associated with the very presence of God, who said He would dwell in the "thick **darkness**" [[1 Kings 8:12]].
* `{{H2825}}` **chăshêkâh** (darkness; figuratively, misery): A similar term for darkness, it is used to describe the "horror of great **darkness**" that fell upon Abram [[Genesis 15:12]].
* `{{H216}}` **ʼôwr** (illumination or luminary; light): As the direct antonym, this word represents righteousness and God's favor. When one helps the afflicted, their "darkness `{{H653}}` be as the noonday" and their **light** `{{H216}}` will rise in obscurity [[Isaiah 58:10]].
* `{{H380}}` **ʼîyshôwn** (the pupil or ball; middle (of night); black, obscure): This word is used alongside `{{H653}}` to intensify the sense of complete darkness, as in "the black and **dark** night" [[Proverbs 7:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H653}}` is centered on themes of judgment and spiritual condition.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word is a component of the prophetic description of the Day of the Lord, a time of divine wrath, trouble, and desolation [[Zephaniah 1:15]]. Their wicked ways will become like slippery paths in the **darkness** as a result of God's visitation [[Jeremiah 23:12]].
* **Consequence of Sin:** **ʼăphêlâh** depicts the state of those who have turned from God. They wait for light but walk in **darkness** [[Isaiah 59:9]]. After looking to the earth and finding only trouble, they are ultimately "driven to **darkness**" [[Isaiah 8:22]].
* **Absence of Light:** The word stands in stark contrast to God's light. When righteousness is practiced, "thy **darkness**" is promised to become "as the noonday," signifying the removal of misfortune and the return of divine favor [[Isaiah 58:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H653}}` is more than a simple reference to the absence of physical light. It is a powerful term that conveys deep gloom, misfortune, and the consequences of sin. Whether describing a supernatural plague on Egypt or the spiritual condition of the wicked, **ʼăphêlâh** consistently points to a state of calamity and confusion that is the opposite of God's light and blessing.
TRV