אֶ֫כֶף (e.kheph)
e.kheph
burden
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ekeph denotes a heavy weight or pressing burden, capturing the physical and emotional sense of pressure. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Job 33:7 where Elihu speaks to Job.
In this single occurrence, the word describes the constraint Elihu feels in addressing his friend. He claims he is not intimidated by Job’s status or arguments, stating that no such burden stands between them. The term conveys a sense of urgency or weight that might otherwise hinder open communication.
Its rarity makes it a specialized lexical item, reserved for moments where social or rhetorical pressure is explicitly mentioned. Translators typically render it as "burden" or "pressure," reflecting the immediate context of interpersonal constraint rather than general suffering.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekeph describes a heavy weight that presses down on a person, often creating a sense of constraint or intimidation. In Job 33:7, Elihu uses this term to assure his friend that he feels no such burden in their conversation. He is not held back by fear of Job’s status or the force of his arguments. This rare Hebrew word highlights how social pressure can sometimes silence honest dialogue between people.
When we feel weighed down by the opinions of others, it can be difficult to speak truthfully. Elihu’s example shows that genuine communication requires freedom from these invisible weights. We are invited to approach one another with humility and openness, setting aside the fear that often keeps us silent. This creates space for understanding rather than defensiveness.
God sees the pressures we carry in our relationships. He invites us to lay down the burdens of pride and fear so that we may listen and speak with clarity. In doing so, we reflect a spirit of grace that honors both ourselves and those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ pressure/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ֝/אַכְפִּ֗/י1×
Key Verses
-
Job 33:7
Behold, my terror will not make you afraid, neither will my pressure be heavy on you.
Elihu uses this rare term to explicitly deny that any social pressure or fear is hindering his honest address to Job.