### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsâphaph**, represented by `{{H6850}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to coo or chirp (as a bird); chatter, peep, whisper**. It is a rare term, appearing only **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently describing faint, low, or non-verbal sounds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6850}}` carries specific connotations of weakness, distress, or illicit communication. In the context of judgment, a conquered people's speech is described as a **whisper** from the dust, like the voice of a spirit [[Isaiah 29:4]]. The word is used to express deep personal anguish, where an individual in distress likens his mourning to the **chatter** of a crane or swallow [[Isaiah 38:14]]. It is also explicitly linked to forbidden occult practices, describing the **peep** of wizards who consult familiar spirits [[Isaiah 8:19]]. Finally, it describes the sound of a young bird, where the silence of a plundered nest—with no bird left to **peep**—illustrates total devastation [[Isaiah 10:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H6850}}` appears:
* `{{H1897}}` **hâgâh** (to murmur... mutter): This word is used in direct parallel with `{{H6850}}` to describe the sounds made by mediums. It appears in the warning against wizards "that peep{H6850} and that **mutter**{H1897}" [[Isaiah 8:19]].
* `{{H178}}` **ʼôwb** (a mumble... a necromancer... familiar spirit): The whispering sound of `{{H6850}}` is directly compared to the voice of one with a **familiar spirit** [[Isaiah 29:4]]. Seeking those with familiar spirits who peep and mutter is forbidden [[Isaiah 8:19]].
* `{{H1875}}` **dârash** (to seek or ask; specifically to worship): This word establishes the central conflict associated with `{{H6850}}`. The people are tempted to **seek** wizards who peep, but are questioned, "should not a people **seek** unto their God?" [[Isaiah 8:19]].
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): The feeble whisper of `{{H6850}}` is contrasted with a normal, clear **voice**. When a nation is brought low, its **voice** is diminished to a whisper from the dust [[Isaiah 29:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6850}}` is found in its consistent association with states contrary to God's order and authority.
* **Forbidden Communication:** The "peep" and "mutter" are the sounds of necromancy, a practice strictly condemned. It represents a turning away from God to seek guidance from illegitimate, powerless sources [[Isaiah 8:19]].
* **Sign of Judgment:** The sound is a marker of humiliation and defeat. A nation brought down by judgment is reduced from clear speech to a weak **whisper** from the dust [[Isaiah 29:4]]. The *absence* of the peep signifies the totality of destruction [[Isaiah 10:14]].
* **Expression of Human Frailty:** In personal suffering, the "chatter" of `{{H6850}}` is the sound of a person in extreme distress, beyond coherent words, crying out in oppression [[Isaiah 38:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6850}}` is a highly specific term for faint sounds like a chirp, chatter, or whisper. While it can describe the cry of a bird or a person in anguish, its primary theological role is to characterize the low, secretive utterances associated with forbidden spiritual practices and the weak, humbled voice of those under divine judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the clear, authoritative, and life-giving word of God.
TRV