אֲפֵר (a.pher)
a.pher
bandage
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun apher refers to a covering or bandage used in ancient medical practice. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the narrative of King Jehoram’s illness in 2 Kings 13:14 and 2 Chronicles 16:12. In these passages, it describes the medicinal wraps applied to the king’s wounds, highlighting its practical function as a protective layer for healing.
While the word itself is rare, its usage underscores the tangible reality of physical suffering and care in biblical times. The sources identify it simply as a covering or bandage, without elaborating on specific materials like linen or herbs. This brevity allows the text to focus on the act of treatment rather than the specifics of the remedy, presenting a straightforward picture of ancient healthcare practices.
Its limited occurrence means that apher does not carry extensive theological weight beyond its literal sense. Instead, it serves as a concrete detail in the historical accounts, reminding readers of the physical dimensions of human frailty and the efforts made to alleviate pain. The word anchors the narrative in the everyday realities of life in the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apher describes a simple bandage or covering used in ancient medical care. It appears only twice in Scripture, both times detailing the treatment given to King Jehoram for his wounds. These brief mentions ground the biblical narrative in the tangible reality of human suffering and the practical efforts made to heal physical pain.
For your faith life, this rare word reminds us that God cares about our bodily needs as well as our spiritual state. The Bible does not shy away from describing illness or injury; instead, it records the compassionate acts of care provided to those in distress. This offers comfort, showing that seeking healing and receiving help are part of our shared human experience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with <the>/ ashes1×
- the/ bandage1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ֣/אֲפֵ֔ר1×
- בָּ/אֲפֵ֖ר1×