גַּף (gaph)
gaph
wing
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun gaph refers specifically to the wing of a bird. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the book of Daniel. In these passages, the word describes the wings of living creatures seen in prophetic visions, grounding the imagery in the natural world rather than abstract symbolism.
Because its usage is so limited, gaph does not carry the broad metaphorical weight found in other Hebrew words for wing, such as kanaf, which can denote corners, edges, or protective shelter. Here, the term remains concrete and literal, pointing to the physical appendage of a bird-like entity in Daniel’s apocalyptic scenes.
Its rarity highlights the precision of biblical language. When the text specifies gaph, it directs attention to the avian nature of the vision’s subjects. This distinction helps readers visualize the creatures accurately, ensuring that the symbolic elements remain tied to their tangible, earthly origins.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gaph appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the vivid visions of Daniel. It refers specifically to the wing of a bird, grounding the prophetic imagery in something tangible and real. Unlike broader terms for wing that might symbolize protection or shelter, this word points directly to the physical nature of the creatures seen in the dream.
In Daniel 7:4, the lion has eagle’s wings, which are then plucked off. This detail signals a change from soaring power to grounded stability. The imagery reminds us that even the most powerful forces on earth are subject to God’s timing and control.
When we encounter such precise language in Scripture, it invites us to look closer at the details. These visions are not just abstract ideas but pictures of real history unfolding under divine oversight. We can find comfort in knowing that God sees every detail, even the plucking of a wing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wings/ its1×
- wings1×
- and/ wings1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/גַפִּ֥ין1×
- גַּפִּ֥ין1×
- גַפַּ֜י/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:4
“The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet as a man. A man’s heart was given to it.
The plucking of the wings marks the transition of the lion-like beast from a position of predatory power to one of human-like stability, showing God's control over earthly kingdoms.
-
Daniel 7:6
“After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The animal also had four heads; and dominion was given to it.
The leopard’s four wings highlight its extraordinary speed and agility, emphasizing the rapid rise and fall of empires in prophetic history.