Strong's Lexicon aphar: Dust, ashes, earth, ground, powder Original Word: עָפַר Word Origin: Derived from a root word meaning "to be gray" or "to pulverize." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G5522: χοῦς (chous) - dust, earth - G4700: σποδός (spodos) - ashes Usage: The Hebrew word "aphar" primarily refers to dust or fine particles of earth. It is used in the Bible to denote the physical substance of the ground, often symbolizing mortality, humility, and the transient nature of human life. "Aphar" is also used metaphorically to express deep sorrow or repentance, as in the act of sitting in dust and ashes. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dust was a common symbol of humility and mortality. People would often sit in dust or cover themselves with it as a sign of mourning or repentance. The imagery of dust is deeply rooted in the creation narrative, where God forms man from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7). This connection underscores the belief in humanity's humble origins and dependence on God. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from aphar Definition to throw dust NASB Translation threw (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָפַר] verb denominative Pi`el וְעִמַּר בֶּעָפָר 2 Samuel 16:13 and kept dusting (him) with dust (throwing [lumps of] dry earth at him). II. עפר (√ of following; compare Arabic Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cast dust : a primitive root: meaning either to be gray or perhaps rather to pulverize; used only as denominative from aphar, to be dust -- cast (dust). see HEBREW aphar Forms and Transliterations וְעִפַּ֖ר ועפר veipPar wə‘ippar wə·‘ip·parLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 16:13 HEB: בָּֽאֲבָנִים֙ לְעֻמָּת֔וֹ וְעִפַּ֖ר בֶּעָפָֽר׃ פ NAS: and cast stones and threw dust at him. KJV: stones at him, and cast dust. INT: stones parallel and threw dust 1 Occurrence |
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young of mountain-goat, Late Hebrew עוֺפֶר young of animals). 
