Lexical Summary zepheth: Pitch, Bitumen Original Word: זֶפֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pitch From an unused root (meaning to liquify); asphalt (from its tendency to soften in the sun) -- pitch. Brown-Driver-Briggs זֶ֫פֶת noun feminineIsaiah 34:9 pitch (compare on formative Ol§ 164 c) Sta§ 187 a. Word is Armenian according to LagArm. Stud. 1351, BN 219; on Egyptian derivatives compare CookSpeaker's Comm. i. 484; Arabic  according to Frä151, if Shemitic, is Aramaic loan-word; see also Ethiopic  Di1068) — pitch: — וַתַּחְמְרָה בַחֵמָר וּבַזָּ֑פֶת Exodus 2:3 of ark of bulrushes; Isaiah 34:9 a וְנֶחֶפְכוּ נְחָלֶיהָ לְזֶפֶת וַעֲפָרָהּ לְגָפְרִ֑ית, Isaiah 34:9 b והיתה אַרְצָהּ לְזֶפֶת בֹּעֵרָֽה׃. Topical Lexicon Physical Characteristics and Sources Zepheth is the naturally occurring, viscous petroleum residue commonly called pitch or asphalt. It seeps from geological fissures in the Near East, most notably around the Dead Sea, where ancient writers such as Josephus record floating “lumps of bitumen.” When cooled, it hardens into a dark, waterproof coating; when heated, it becomes malleable and highly flammable. These properties made it indispensable for construction, waterproofing, embalming, and fuel throughout the ancient world. Biblical Usage 1. Exodus 2:3 presents zepheth in a nurturing context. Jochebed “coated [the papyrus basket] with tar and pitch” before placing Moses on the Nile. The combination of tar (chemar) and pitch (zepheth) produced a double seal, ensuring buoyancy and protection from the waters of death. Cultural and Technological Context Archaeology confirms widespread use of bitumen: Israel’s proximity to bitumen deposits meant the material was readily accessible, explaining its appearance in both narrative and prophetic literature. Symbolic and Theological Themes • Preservation versus Perdition: In Exodus, pitch shields the covenant child; in Isaiah, it engulfs a rebellious nation. The same element illustrates both deliverance and destruction, underscoring divine sovereignty in using creation for mercy or judgment. Prophetic Imagery of Judgment Isaiah 34 portrays a total reversal of Edenic blessing. Streams—normally life-giving—are transformed into bitumen, a substance that suffocates vegetation and fuels perpetual fire. The imagery assures the faithful that evil will not endure; divine wrath will thoroughly address injustice. By citing a real material familiar to his audience, Isaiah grounds apocalyptic language in tangible reality. Practical Ministry Applications • Trust in Divine Provision: As the infant Moses rested safely within pitch-sealed reeds, believers can trust God’s meticulous care amid hostile environments. Further Study and Reflection Compare Exodus 2:3 with Genesis 6:14; note how different Hebrew words for protective coating converge thematically. Reflect on Isaiah 34 alongside Revelation 18, observing parallels between Edom’s fate and Babylon’s downfall. Consider how mundane materials in Scripture reveal profound spiritual truths when viewed through the whole counsel of God. Forms and Transliterations וּבַזָּ֑פֶת ובזפת לְזֶ֔פֶת לְזֶ֖פֶת לזפת lə·ze·p̄eṯ leZefet ləzep̄eṯ ū·ḇaz·zā·p̄eṯ ūḇazzāp̄eṯ uvazZafetLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 2:3 HEB: וַתַּחְמְרָ֥ה בַחֵמָ֖ר וּבַזָּ֑פֶת וַתָּ֤שֶׂם בָּהּ֙ NAS: it over with tar and pitch. Then she put KJV: it with slime and with pitch, and put INT: and covered tar and pitch put the child Isaiah 34:9 Isaiah 34:9 3 Occurrences |
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