זָקַף (za.qaph)
za.qaph
to raise
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zaqaph means simply to lift or raise something up. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Psalms (Psalm 18:36 and Psalm 144:2). In these contexts, it describes God lifting up the psalmist’s horn, a metaphor for strengthening their power and dignity.
As a late biblical term, it shares its root with the Aramaic equivalent zeqaph. The word carries a sense of elevation that is both physical and symbolic, pointing to an increase in status or strength rather than just movement. Translators typically render this action as "lift up" or "exalt," capturing the idea of being raised to a higher position.
This concise usage highlights how biblical language often uses simple physical actions to convey deep spiritual realities. The image of a horn being lifted suggests resilience and honor, reflecting God’s role in empowering those who trust in Him. By focusing on this specific metaphor, the text emphasizes divine support in times of need.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb zaqaph appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the Psalms. It describes God lifting up a person’s horn, an ancient metaphor for strength and honor. This simple action conveys deep spiritual truth: God actively elevates those who trust in Him.
When life feels heavy or your dignity is worn down, this word reminds us that God sees you. He does not leave you bowed under the weight of circumstance. Instead, He raises you up, restoring your standing and empowering you for the days ahead.
This divine support is not based on your own strength but on His faithful character. You can rest in the knowledge that He lifts up those who are weary, giving them resilience and hope for the future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [is] raising up1×
- [is] raising up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זֹקֵ֣ף1×
- וְ֝/זוֹקֵ֗ף1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 145:14
Yahweh upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.
This verse uses a related concept where Yahweh raises up all who are bowed down, showing His consistent action toward the humbled.
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Psalms 146:8
Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous.
Here again, Yahweh is described as raising up those who are bowed down, reinforcing the theme of divine restoration for the oppressed.