אָפַף (a.phaph)
a.phaph
to surround
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb aphaph means to encircle or encompass something completely. It describes a physical act of surrounding, often with a sense of closeness or inescapable proximity. In the Old Testament, this word appears only twice, giving it a focused and specific usage rather than a broad range.
In Psalm 105:36, the text uses aphaph to describe how God brought plagues upon Egypt, effectively surrounding the land with disaster. Similarly, in II Samuel 22:18 (paralleled in Psalm 18:17), David says that strong waters surrounded him, using the same verb to depict being engulfed by danger. These examples show the word’s power in conveying total immersion in a circumstance.
Though rare, aphaph carries theological weight by illustrating how God can both judge and deliver. The imagery of being encompassed suggests no escape from divine action, whether in judgment or salvation. Translators typically render it as "surround" or "encircle," preserving the concrete sense of physical enclosure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word aphaph paints a vivid picture of being completely encircled. It is not merely about things happening around you, but about an inescapable proximity that leaves no room for escape. When the Bible uses this term, it describes a total immersion in a circumstance, whether that be danger or divine intervention.
In moments of deep distress, such as when David felt the waves of death closing in (II Samuel 22:5), this word captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by forces beyond your control. Yet, its rarity in Scripture highlights how significant these moments are. It reminds us that even when we feel trapped by our circumstances, God sees the full scope of our situation.
For your faith, this offers a profound comfort. If you feel surrounded by trouble, know that you are seen in the midst of it. The same God who allows no escape from His judgment also holds the power to deliver you from every flood. You are never truly alone in your confinement; His presence encompasses even your deepest fears.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they surrounded/ me2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲפָפֻ֖/נִי1×
- אֲפָפ֤וּ/נִי\׀1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 22:5
For the waves of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
This verse uses the word to describe how the 'waves of death' physically encircled David, emphasizing his total immersion in mortal danger before God's intervention.
-
Psalms 116:3
The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow.
Here, the 'cords of death' are said to surround the psalmist, illustrating how trouble can tightly encircle a person until they find relief in calling on the Lord.