יְעָף (ye.aph)
ye.aph
weariness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ye’aph describes a state of physical or mental exhaustion, encompassing weariness, fatigue, and faintness. It captures the tangible sensation of being drained, whether by labor, illness, or prolonged vigilance.
This term appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Daniel 9:21. In this context, it characterizes the angel Gabriel’s condition as he arrives to deliver a message to Daniel. The usage highlights that even heavenly messengers can experience human-like fatigue, grounding the divine encounter in a moment of tangible, weary reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
It is comforting to know that even those who serve God’s purposes most closely can feel tired. In Daniel 9:21, the angel Gabriel arrives with a message while experiencing weariness himself. This detail reminds us that exhaustion does not disqualify someone from divine service or presence.
Your own fatigue is seen and known by God. He does not expect you to be tireless. When you feel drained by life’s demands, you are in good company. God meets you in your weakness, not despite it, but often through it. Rest is a gift, not a failure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ weariness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּ/יעָ֔ף1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 9:21
yes, while I was speaking in prayer—the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening offering.
This verse uniquely shows that even a powerful angel like Gabriel experienced physical weariness while delivering God's message to Daniel.