אָפַק (a.phaq)
a.phaq
to refrain
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb aphaq carries the sense of holding back or restraining, appearing only in the Hithpael stem where it describes a person forcing themselves to stop an action. This grammatical form adds weight to the meaning, suggesting that refraining is not a passive absence of activity but an active act of self-control. The word appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, with notable instances in Genesis and Isaiah.
In these texts, aphaq underscores moments where characters exercise restraint despite strong impulses. For example, in Genesis 31:24, God warns Laban not to speak ill of Jacob, implying a need to hold back harsh words. Similarly, in Isaiah 58:4, the people are rebuked for fighting and quarreling while fasting, highlighting a failure to restrain their aggressive behavior. The term thus captures the tension between natural urges and disciplined conduct.
Its usage reveals a biblical emphasis on self-restraint as a virtue, particularly in contexts involving conflict or divine warning. By compelling oneself to refrain, individuals demonstrate obedience and respect for boundaries set by God or others. This active restraint reflects a broader theme in Scripture where control over one’s actions is linked to spiritual fidelity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphaq describes an active, internal struggle to hold back a natural impulse. It is not simply waiting; it is the effort of stopping oneself when emotions or instincts demand action. This concept reminds us that self-control is often a choice made in the heat of the moment, requiring deliberate restraint rather than passive silence.
In our daily lives, this might look like pausing before responding to criticism or choosing patience during a frustrating conversation. The biblical examples show that such restraint is not about suppressing feelings but about aligning our actions with wisdom and respect for others. It reflects a heart that values peace over immediate reaction.
When we feel the urge to speak harshly or act impulsively, remembering this idea can help us pause. It invites us to consider the impact of our words and to choose a path that builds up rather than tears down. This kind of self-discipline is a quiet strength that honors God and protects relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he restrained himself2×
- to/ restrain himself1×
- they have restrained themselves1×
- and/ I forced myself1×
- I have restrained myself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הִתְאַפֵּ֗ק1×
- וָֽ/אֶתְאַפַּ֔ק1×
- וַ/יִּתְאַפַּ֣ק1×
- וַ/יִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔ק1×
- הִתְאַפָּֽקוּ\׃1×
- אֶתְאַפָּ֑ק1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 45:1
Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he called out, “Cause everyone to go out from me!” No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.
Joseph's inability to restrain himself highlights the overwhelming power of emotion when he finally reveals his identity to his brothers.
-
Isaiah 63:15
Look down from heaven, and see from the habitation of your holiness and of your glory. Where are your zeal and your mighty acts? The yearning of your heart and your compassion is restrained toward me.
This verse poetically describes God holding back His fierce compassion, showing that even divine restraint is a deliberate act of mercy.
-
Esther 5:10
Nevertheless Haman restrained himself, and went home. There, he sent and called for his friends and Zeresh his wife.
Haman's self-restraint here demonstrates how pride can force a person to pause their immediate desires for strategic reasons.