חׇפַף (cho.phaph)
cho.phaph
to shield
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chaphaf means to cover, enclose, or shield. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 33:12, where Moses blesses Benjamin. The text describes God as dwelling between his shoulders and shielding the tribe.
This rare usage highlights a protective action. To chaphaf is to surround someone with care, keeping them safe from harm. It conveys a sense of closeness and defense, suggesting that divine protection is both intimate and encompassing.
Because it occurs just once, its meaning is shaped entirely by this context. The word emphasizes God’s role as a guardian who envelops His people in safety. This single instance reminds readers of the personal nature of divine shelter.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chaphaf appears only once in Scripture, yet it carries a powerful image of divine care. In Deuteronomy 33:12, Moses blesses the tribe of Benjamin by saying that God "covers him all day long." This rare verb suggests more than simple protection; it implies being enveloped or shielded from every direction. It paints a picture of God’s presence as an intimate and encompassing safety net.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in moments of vulnerability. It reminds us that we are not left to face life’s challenges alone. Instead, we are held within the shadow of His wings, shielded by a love that surrounds us completely. This assurance is not based on our strength but on His faithful presence.
When you feel exposed or overwhelmed, remember this promise of coverage. God does not just watch from afar; He dwells close, offering a shelter that is both personal and profound. Rest in the knowledge that you are shielded by His grace every single day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [who] covers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֹפֵ֤ף1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 33:12
About Benjamin he said, “The beloved of Yahweh will dwell in safety by him. He covers him all day long. He dwells between his shoulders.”
This verse uniquely uses chaphaf to describe God's continuous, all-day covering of Benjamin, emphasizing intimate divine protection.