אֶ֫פַע (e.pah)
e.pah
worthless
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word epha means worthless or of no account. In Scripture it describes something that lacks value or substance entirely. It is not merely weak, but completely empty of worth.
This term appears only once in the Bible, in Isaiah 41:24. There it is used to describe idols as things that are "of nought" or "nothing." The text contrasts these false gods with the God of Israel, highlighting their complete inability to act or save.
Some scholars note that this form may be a textual variant for another word meaning "nothing" (epes). Regardless of its exact origin, the sense is clear: idols are empty and have no power. The word serves as a sharp critique of trusting in anything other than God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word epha describes something that is completely empty of value. It does not suggest weakness but total worthlessness. In Isaiah 41:24, this term is applied to idols to show they have no power or substance. This stark contrast reminds us that false sources of hope are ultimately void.
When we face uncertainty, it is easy to look for strength in things that cannot save us. This word invites us to examine what we trust. Are we relying on empty promises or on the God who alone has worth? Finding our security in Him brings a stability that the world cannot offer.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] from/ something worthless1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/אָ֑פַע1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 41:24
Behold, you are nothing, and your work is nothing. He who chooses you is an abomination.
This verse uses the word to declare idols as nothing, contrasting their emptiness with God's power.