אֲסֵפָה (a.se.phah)
a.se.phah
collecting
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun a.se.phah denotes an act of gathering or collecting things together. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within Isaiah 65:11, where it describes the ritual provision made for those who serve other gods.
Its meaning is straightforward and concrete: the accumulation or assembly of items. In this specific context, it refers to the libations or offerings that are collected and poured out as part of a pagan ceremony. The word does not carry complex theological nuance here but simply identifies the physical act of gathering these substances for worship.
Because the term is rare, its usage highlights the tangible nature of idolatry in Isaiah’s critique. The prophet contrasts the true God with those who prepare specific collections of offerings, emphasizing that such rituals are empty compared to divine service. This single occurrence anchors the word firmly in the context of religious opposition and ritual practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word אֲסֵפָה simply means collecting or gathering items together. In its single occurrence in Isaiah 65:11, it describes the physical act of gathering offerings for pagan rituals. This concrete image highlights how idolatry relies on tangible preparations rather than a relationship with the living God.
For your faith life, this word serves as a gentle reminder to examine what you are gathering. Are your efforts focused on empty rituals or on serving the true God? The prophet Isaiah contrasts these hollow collections with genuine devotion, inviting us to prioritize spiritual integrity over outward appearances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a gathering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲסֵפָ֤ה1×