זָעֵף (za.eph)
za.eph
vexed
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective zaeph describes a state of being deeply vexed or in a foul mood. It conveys a sense of simmering irritation rather than explosive rage, capturing a person who is visibly upset and difficult to deal with.
This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in 1 Kings to describe King Ahab. The texts use it to illustrate his petulant reaction when he loses a vineyard dispute with Naboth. In these instances, zaeph paints a vivid picture of a ruler sulking and refusing to eat, highlighting how personal grievances can paralyze leadership.
Its rarity in Scripture makes its usage significant. By restricting this specific term for bad temper to Ahab, the biblical narrative underscores his moral flaws. The word serves as a literary marker for his instability, showing that his anger was petty and self-centered rather than righteous or justified.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
King Ahab’s reaction to Naboth’s refusal offers a striking glimpse into how personal disappointment can cloud our judgment. The Hebrew word zaeph describes a state of being deeply vexed or in a foul mood, capturing a simmering irritation rather than explosive rage. It paints a vivid picture of a ruler who sulks and refuses to eat, highlighting how petty grievances can paralyze leadership.
When we face rejection or unfairness, it is easy to retreat into silence and sullenness. This word reminds us that our emotional responses reveal the condition of our hearts. Instead of letting minor slights turn us against others, we are invited to bring our frustrations honestly before God, seeking peace rather than holding onto resentment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ furious2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/זָעֵ֗ף1×
- וְ/זָעֵ֑ף1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 21:4
Ahab came into his house sullen and angry because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He laid himself down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
This verse captures the full weight of zaeph by showing Ahab’s refusal to eat and turning away his face, illustrating how personal grievance leads to self-imposed isolation.
-
I Kings 20:43
The king of Israel went to his house sullen and angry, and came to Samaria.
Here the term describes the king returning to Samaria in a sullen state, serving as a literary marker for his moral instability and petulant nature.