חַף (chaph)
chaph
clean
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective chaph means to be clean or innocent in a moral sense. It describes a person who is free from guilt or pollution, emphasizing purity of character rather than physical cleanliness. This word appears only once in the entire Old Testament, making it a rare and specific term for ethical integrity.
In Job 33:9, Elihu uses chaph to describe his own stance before God. He argues that he is not guilty of wrongdoing, asserting his moral innocence in the debate with Job. The context highlights a legal or judicial nuance, where being "clean" means having no charge against one’s conscience or conduct.
Because it is so scarce, chaph does not develop a wide range of meanings across Scripture. Its single occurrence anchors its definition firmly in the idea of unblemished righteousness before God. Translators typically render it as "innocent" or "clean," reflecting this straightforward sense of moral purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chaph describes a state of moral cleanliness, free from guilt or pollution. It points to integrity of character rather than physical purity. In Job 33:9, Elihu uses this term to assert his innocence before God. This shows that true cleanliness is about having a clear conscience and right conduct.
When you face accusations or feel weighed down by shame, remember that God sees the heart. He knows when you are truly innocent of wrongdoing. This rare word reminds us that moral purity is possible through faithfulness to Him. It invites you to rest in the truth that your standing before God is secure when you walk in integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [am] innocent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַ֥ף1×
Key Verses
-
Job 33:9
‘I am clean, without disobedience. I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me.
Elihu uses chaph here to legally assert his moral innocence and lack of guilt in his debate with Job.