2653. chaphaph

Lexicon

chaphaph: To cover, to surround, to shield

Original Word: חָפַף
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: chophaph
Pronunciation: khaw-faf'
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-faf')
Definition: To cover, to surround, to shield
Meaning: to cover

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cover

A primitive root (compare chaphah, yacheph); to cover (in protection) -- cover.

see HEBREW chaphah

see HEBREW yacheph

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to enclose, surround, cover
NASB Translation
shields (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

I. [חָפַף] verb enclose, surround, cover (Arabic , surround, side, or border of a thing) — only

Qal Participle חֹפֵף עָלָיו Deuteronomy 33:12 (poem) he (׳י) is covering him over, figurative of ׳י's sheltering Benjamin (in temple; on omission of subject see Ges^{§ 116}. 5. R. 3).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 1945 • ἐπισκιάζω (episkiazō): to overshadow, to envelop in a haze of brilliancy, often used in the New Testament to describe the overshadowing presence of God, as in the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:5).
• Strong's Greek Number 2572 • κατασκιάζω (kataskiazō): to overshadow, to cast a shadow upon, used in contexts of divine presence and protection.

These Greek terms, while not direct translations, share thematic similarities with חָפַף in their depiction of divine covering and protection.

Usage: The verb חָפַף (chafaf) is used in the Hebrew Bible to convey the action of covering or protecting. It is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe divine protection or the act of shielding someone or something from harm.

Context: The Hebrew verb חָפַף (chafaf) appears in the Old Testament with the primary meaning of "to cover" or "to protect." This term is often used in contexts where the imagery of covering implies a form of divine or physical protection. For instance, in Deuteronomy 33:12, the text speaks of the beloved of the LORD dwelling in safety, being covered by the Almighty: "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders." This usage highlights the protective and nurturing aspect of God's relationship with His people, emphasizing His role as a shield and protector.

The concept of covering in the Hebrew Bible often extends beyond the physical to include spiritual and emotional dimensions, suggesting a comprehensive form of care and guardianship. The verb חָפַף is thus integral to understanding the multifaceted nature of divine protection as portrayed in the Scriptures.

Forms and Transliterations

חֹפֵ֤ף חפף choFef ḥō·p̄êp̄ ḥōp̄êp̄

Englishman's Concordance

Deuteronomy 33:12
HEB: לָבֶ֖טַח עָלָ֑יו חֹפֵ֤ף עָלָיו֙ כָּל־
NAS: in security by Him, Who shields him all
KJV: in safety by him; [and the LORD] shall cover him all the day
INT: security and shields and all

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 2653
1 Occurrence

ḥō·p̄êp̄ — 1 Occ.