אֹ֫סֵף (o.seph)
o.seph
gathering
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun o.seph denotes a gathering or collection, often with the specific sense of a harvest. It appears in only three verses, primarily within the prophetic books of Isaiah and Micah. The word captures the result of an assembling process, focusing on the gathered mass rather than the act of collecting itself.
In its scriptural context, this term carries weighty theological implications regarding judgment and restoration. For instance, in Micah 2:2, it describes those who covet fields and seize them, linking the concept of gathering to unjust acquisition. Conversely, prophetic literature often uses similar imagery to depict God gathering His people or nations for accountability.
The rarity of this word highlights its precision. Translators typically render it as "gathering" or "harvest," depending on whether the context emphasizes agricultural yield or the assembly of people. Its limited occurrence ensures that each appearance stands out, drawing attention to the specific outcome of divine or human action described in these concise prophetic declarations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word o.seph points to a gathering, often specifically a harvest or collection. In the Bible, this imagery carries deep meaning about how God brings things together—whether for judgment or for restoration. It reminds us that our lives are not random events but part of a larger, purposeful assembly under God’s care.
When we face seasons of loss or confusion, o.seph offers hope. Just as a harvest gathers what was sown, God gathers His people with intention and love. Even in times of scarcity or pain, like the lament in Micah 7:1, there is an underlying promise that nothing is truly lost to Him.
This word invites trust. It assures us that God sees every detail of our lives and will bring them into their proper place. We can rest in the knowledge that He is faithful to gather what matters most, especially those who belong to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ gathering<s> of1×
- [the] gathering1×
- <the> gathering of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֹ֖סֶף2×
- כְּ/אָסְפֵּי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 32:10
For days beyond a year you will be troubled, you careless women; for the vintage will fail. The harvest won’t come.
The word appears here as 'harvest' to symbolize the failure of expected blessing due to spiritual carelessness.
-
Isaiah 33:4
Your plunder will be gathered as the caterpillar gathers. Men will leap on it as locusts leap.
It describes plunder being gathered like insects, illustrating how enemy forces will strip away what was unjustly held.
-
Micah 7:1
Misery is mine! Indeed, I am like one who gathers the summer fruits, as gleanings of the vineyard. There is no cluster of grapes to eat. My soul desires to eat the early fig.
The prophet uses the image of gathering summer fruits to express profound personal and national despair at the lack of righteousness.