Lexical Summary alaph: To learn, to teach, to be accustomed Original Word: עָלַף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance faint, overlaid, wrap self A primitive root; to veil or cover; figuratively, to be languid -- faint, overlaid, wrap self. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to cover NASB Translation became faint (1), faint (1), fainted (1), inlaid (1), wilted away (1), wrapped (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָלַף] verb cover (Late Hebrew id., cover, faint; Arabic  smear, II. cover,  sheath; Assyrian elpitu, pining, exhaustion); — Pu`al Participle feminine covered, encrusted, construct מְעֻלֶּפֶת Songs 5:14 his belly if ivory encrusted with sapphires. Perfect3plural בָּנַיִךְ עֻלְּפוּ Isaiah 51:20 thy sons are enshrouded, enwrapped, i.e. their senses obscured = have swooned away; so also Ezekiel 31:15, reading 3feminine singular עֻלָּ֑פָה for substantive עֻלְמֶּה (Köii. 1, 118), all the trees have fainted for (עַל) him (so ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 Hi Co and others). Hithpa`el enwrap oneself, Imperfect3feminine singular וַתִּתְעַלָּ֑ף Genesis 38:14 (J); = swoon away, 3 masculine singular וַיִּתְעַלָּ֑ף Jonah 4:8; 3feminine plural תִּתְעַלַּפְנָה Amos 8:13. Topical Lexicon Root Concept and Twofold Emphasis The verb עָלַף gathers around two complementary ideas: (1) an outward covering or overlaying, and (2) an inward collapse that results in fainting. Behind both senses lies a single picture: something once visible or strong becomes hidden or weakened, whether by an intentional veil or an overwhelming force. Distribution in Scripture Genesis 38:14; Song of Songs 5:14; Isaiah 51:20; Amos 8:13; Jonah 4:8. Covering and Concealment 1. Genesis 38:14—Tamar “covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself” to confront Judah’s neglect of levirate duty. The covering serves a redemptive purpose, moving the line of promise forward despite human failure. Fainting and Human Frailty 1. Isaiah 51:20—“Your sons have fainted; they lie at every street corner like an antelope in a net”. Jerusalem’s children collapse under divine wrath and exile. The verb here underscores man’s utter dependence on the sustaining grace of God; once He removes protection, strength evaporates. Historical and Cultural Setting Veils were common symbols of modesty, mourning, or strategic disguise in patriarchal society. Gold inlay on jewelry and furniture showcased skillful craftsmanship in the royal courts of Israel. Conversely, fainting through heat, hunger, or grief was a real danger in the arid Near East, making the imagery immediately vivid to the original audience. Theological Reflections Covering anticipates the greater covering of sin provided by the atoning work of Christ (Isaiah 61:10; Romans 4:7). Fainting exposes the limits of human power, driving the reader to the everlasting strength promised in passages such as Isaiah 40:31. Together the two senses invite dependence on God: He must cover guilt and renew strength. Ministry Applications • Intercession and Advocacy: Like Tamar, the church can “cover” the vulnerable by standing in the gap when covenant responsibilities are ignored. Homiletical Trajectories • “From Veil to Victory”: God sometimes hides His purposes only to unveil greater redemption. Summary Whether describing a strategic veil or an exhausted collapse, עָלַף depicts moments when human visibility or vitality is reduced. The Scriptures use this single verb to reveal both God’s ability to conceal for good and His power to expose weakness, thereby inviting every generation to seek the covering righteousness and sustaining strength found in Him alone. Forms and Transliterations וַיִּתְעַלָּ֑ף וַתִּתְעַלָּ֔ף ויתעלף ותתעלף מְעֻלֶּ֖פֶת מעלפת עֻלְּפ֥וּ עלפו תִּ֠תְעַלַּפְנָה תתעלפנה ‘ul·lə·p̄ū ‘ulləp̄ū mə‘ullep̄eṯ mə·‘ul·le·p̄eṯ meulLefet tiṯ‘allap̄nāh tiṯ·‘al·lap̄·nāh Titallafnah ulleFu vaiyitalLaf vattitalLaf wat·tiṯ·‘al·lāp̄ wattiṯ‘allāp̄ way·yiṯ·‘al·lāp̄ wayyiṯ‘allāp̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 38:14 HEB: וַתְּכַ֤ס בַּצָּעִיף֙ וַתִּתְעַלָּ֔ף וַתֵּ֙שֶׁב֙ בְּפֶ֣תַח NAS: [herself] with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat KJV: with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in INT: and covered A veil and wrapped and sat the gateway Songs 5:14 Isaiah 51:20 Amos 8:13 Jonah 4:8 5 Occurrences |
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