Lexical Summary aph: Anger, wrath, nostril, face Original Word: אַף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance also (Aramaic) corresponding to 'aph -- also. see HEBREW 'aph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to aph Definition also NASB Translation also (4). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Literary Function אַף (Strong’s H638) serves as an emphatic connective—“also,” “even,” “furthermore,” or, in a negation, “nor.” Far more than a mere grammatical particle, it strengthens narrative flow, underlines major points, and links sequential thoughts, allowing the writer to drive home God-directed purpose or moral force. Occurrences and Narrative Contexts Ezra 5:10 deploys אַף when Tattenai’s delegation reports to King Darius: “We also asked them for their names…”. The word unites a series of investigative steps, showing the officials’ exhaustive scrutiny of temple builders. Ezra 5:14 and Ezra 6:5 record Cyrus’ decree to restore the temple vessels. Here אַף (“also,” “furthermore”) underscores the king’s comprehensive commitment: not only permission to rebuild, but the physical return of consecrated treasures. Daniel 6:22 uses אַף in its negative sense—“Nor have I ever committed any crime against you, O king.” The particle intensifies Daniel’s claim of innocence, magnifying the justice of God’s miraculous deliverance. Covenantal Restoration Emphasized The Ezra occurrences appear inside correspondence preserved in imperial archives. By repeatedly stressing “also” or “furthermore,” Scripture portrays a God who orchestrates complete restoration. The rebuilt temple is furnished with its original vessels, validating divine faithfulness to covenant promises (compare 2 Chronicles 36:22–23). אַף functions as a narrative highlighter: the rescue is not partial; it is thorough and covenantally whole. Divine Vindication in Exile Daniel 6:22 sets אַף at the climax of the lions’-den account. The emphatic “nor” links Daniel’s integrity to God’s intervention, exposing the injustice of his accusers and declaring that exile cannot nullify God’s righteous rule (Psalm 9:4). The connective therefore contributes to the apologetic thrust of the book: Yahweh, not the empire, vindicates His servants. Theological Threads 1. Holistic Salvation: אַף stresses that God goes beyond initial acts—He “also” secures every needed element for His people’s welfare (Philippians 1:6). Ministry Application • Preaching: Highlight the “also” of divine grace—God not only forgives but restores, equips, and vindicates. Connection to Christ The layered emphasis introduced by אַף foreshadows the fullness of redemption accomplished in Jesus Christ. “He Himself bore our sins… so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24)—not forgiveness alone but transformed living “also.” In Him all the promises of God find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20), the ultimate divine “also” that gathers every covenant thread into completed salvation. Forms and Transliterations וְ֠אַף וְאַ֤ף וְאַ֧ף ואף veAf wə’ap̄ wə·’ap̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 5:10 HEB: וְאַ֧ף שְׁמָהָתְהֹ֛ם שְׁאֵ֥לְנָא NAS: We also asked them their names KJV: their names also, to certify INT: also their names asked Ezra 5:14 Ezra 6:5 Daniel 6:22 4 Occurrences |
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