חָפָא (cha.pah)
cha.pah
to do secretly
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chafah appears only once in the Old Testament, found in II Kings 17:9. In this specific context, it describes the Israelites engaging in secret practices that violated their covenant with God. The word conveys the idea of covering or hiding actions from view, implying a deliberate concealment rather than open rebellion.
Its root meaning relates to physical covering, but here it is used metaphorically for hidden behavior. This rare usage highlights the seriousness of clandestine sin, suggesting that what is done in secret still carries weight before God. The text uses this term to explain why judgment came upon Samaria, linking hidden idolatry directly to national consequences.
Because it occurs just once, chafah offers a focused glimpse into how ancient writers described covert disobedience. It reminds readers that spiritual fidelity requires transparency, and that hidden compromises are not invisible to divine scrutiny. The word’s scarcity makes its single appearance particularly significant in the narrative of Israel’s decline.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chafah appears only once in Scripture, describing actions done in secret. It reminds us that God sees what we hide. In II Kings 17:9, Israel’s hidden idolatry led to judgment. This shows that no sin is truly concealed from Him.
For your faith, this means honesty matters more than perfection. You do not need to perform for others or hide your struggles. God invites you into the light, where healing and grace are found. Your secret thoughts and actions are known to Him, but His love does not flee from your truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they did secretly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יְחַפְּא֣וּ1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 17:9
The children of Israel secretly did things that were not right against Yahweh their God; and they built high places for themselves in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city;
This verse uses chafah to describe Israel's covert idolatry, showing that hidden disobedience carries real consequences.