### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâphêç**, represented by `{{H656}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to disappear, i.e. cease; be clean gone (at an end, brought to nought), fail**. Despite its concise definition, it conveys a powerful sense of finality. It appears only **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, making each occurrence significant in its specific context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H656}}` is applied to both tangible and abstract concepts. In a literal sense, it describes the complete exhaustion of resources during the famine in Egypt, when the people declared, "the money **faileth**" [[Genesis 47:15]]. This prompted them to trade their livestock for survival [[Genesis 47:16]]. Prophetically, the word is used to declare the definitive end of oppression. Isaiah foretells a time when "the extortioner is at an **end**" [[Isaiah 16:4]] and "the terrible one is brought to **nought**" [[Isaiah 29:20]]. The psalmist also uses it in a moment of deep anguish, questioning if God's mercy is "**clean gone** for ever" [[Psalms 77:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H656}}`, helping to define the nature of this cessation:
* `{{H1584}}` **gâmar**: A primitive root meaning to end or fail. In [[Psalms 77:8]], it is used in direct parallel to `{{H656}}` to question if God's mercy is "clean gone" and if His promise will "**fail** for evermore."
* `{{H3615}}` **kâlâh**: Meaning to end, cease, or be consumed. It is paired with `{{H656}}` in Isaiah's prophecies, where the end of the extortioner is followed by the declaration that "the spoiler **ceaseth**" [[Isaiah 16:4]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath**: This root means to cut off or destroy. It appears in the same prophetic announcement as `{{H656}}`, stating that those who watch for iniquity are "**cut off**," emphasizing a decisive and active removal [[Isaiah 29:20]].
* `{{H4160}}` **mûwts**: Meaning to press or oppress, this word for "extortioner" is the subject that is brought to an end by `{{H656}}` in the promise of deliverance for Moab [[Isaiah 16:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and thematic weight of `{{H656}}` is centered on the concept of finality.
* **The End of Oppression:** The word is a key component in prophecies of divine justice. Its use guarantees the absolute cessation of evil powers, such as "the terrible one" `{{H6184}}` and "the extortioner" `{{H4160}}`, offering hope that oppression will not last forever ([[Isaiah 29:20]], [[Isaiah 16:4]]).
* **The Failure of Worldly Systems:** The account in Genesis demonstrates that material resources, like money, can completely **fail**. This narrative highlights the fragility of human economy and security when faced with overwhelming crisis [[Genesis 47:15]].
* **The Cry of Human Despair:** In the Psalms, the word gives voice to the deepest human fears. The question of whether God's mercy can be "**clean gone**" is a raw expression of spiritual struggle, framing a moment where divine faithfulness feels absent [[Psalms 77:8]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼâphêç** `{{H656}}` is a potent term that signifies a complete and total end. Though used sparingly, it powerfully describes the failure of material wealth [[Genesis 47:15]], the ultimate demise of the wicked and oppressive [[Isaiah 29:20]], and the heart's cry when it fears that God's mercy has ceased [[Psalms 77:8]]. Each use marks a point of absolute conclusion, whether in the realm of economics, justice, or faith.
TRV