אָפֵל (a.phel)
a.phel
gloom
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ’âp̄êl describes a state of gloom or darkness, appearing in Scripture to characterize the quality of light—or the lack thereof. Its primary usage is found in Amos 5:20, where it modifies the "day of the Lord." In this context, the term does not simply denote physical nightfall but conveys a heavy, oppressive shadow that obscures hope.
Lexical sources define ’âp̄êl as gloomy or dark, emphasizing a visual obscurity that carries a somber tone. By applying this adjective to divine judgment, the text creates a stark contrast with the expectation of light. The word captures a moment where visibility is lost, leaving only a sense of foreboding darkness rather than peaceful rest.
This single occurrence anchors the term’s theological weight in prophetic warning. Translators typically render it as "darkness" or "gloom," preserving the image of sudden obscurity that replaces anticipated brightness. The word serves as a literary marker for times when divine presence is experienced not as illumination, but as an overwhelming shadow.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word âphêl appears only once in Scripture, in Amos 5:20. It describes a heavy, oppressive darkness that replaces light. This is not the peaceful rest of night, but a sudden obscurity that brings a sense of foreboding. The prophet uses it to describe the "day of Yahweh," turning an expected time of brightness into one of shadow.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God’s presence can be experienced in ways we do not expect. Sometimes His discipline feels like a loss of visibility, where hope seems obscured by judgment. Yet even here, the text acknowledges the reality of our pain. We are invited to trust in His character when the path ahead is unclear.
Though this darkness is real, it does not have the final word. The Bible points us to a God who walks with us through shadows. You can find comfort in knowing that He sees you even when you cannot see clearly. His love remains steady, offering hope beyond the gloom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ gloomy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אָפֵ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Amos 5:20
Won’t the day of Yahweh be darkness, and not light? Even very dark, and no brightness in it?
This verse uses 'âphêl' to describe the day of Yahweh as a time of oppressive darkness rather than light, highlighting the contrast between expected blessing and divine judgment.