יְפֵה־פִיָּה (ye.pheh-phiy.yah)
ye.pheh-phiy.yah
pretty
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective yefeh-piyah, found only in Jeremiah 46:20, literally means "fair of mouth" but functions as a term for beauty or prettiness. The word is formed by repeating the root for "mouth" with a suffix, creating a diminutive effect that intensifies the quality. This reduplication suggests not just general attractiveness, but a specific, perhaps delicate or refined, kind of loveliness.
In its sole biblical occurrence, the prophet uses this term to describe the beauty of Egypt’s prized calf idol in Babylon. The choice of such a tender word for an object of worship highlights the irony of trusting in something visually appealing yet spiritually empty. Translators often render it as "pretty" or "very beautiful," capturing both the literal sense and the nuanced intensity provided by the doubled form.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yefeh-piyah appears only once in Scripture, in Jeremiah 46:20. The prophet uses this tender term to describe Egypt’s prized calf idol as "very beautiful." By choosing such a delicate and refined word for an object of worship, the text highlights a sharp irony. It shows how something can appear visually appealing yet remain spiritually empty.
This single occurrence invites us to consider what we truly value. We are drawn to things that look good on the surface, but Scripture reminds us that true worth lies deeper than appearance. When we place our trust in outward beauty or temporary strength, we risk missing the substance that lasts. The prophet’s choice of words challenges us to look beyond the pretty exterior.
May this reminder help you discern what is lasting from what is merely attractive. Let your heart rest in what endures, rather than chasing fleeting impressions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beautifully1×
- beautiful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פִיָּ֖ה1×
- יְפֵֽה\־1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 46:20
“Egypt is a very beautiful heifer; but destruction out of the north has come. It has come.
The word yefeh-piyah intensifies the description of Egypt's idol to highlight the irony of trusting in something visually appealing yet spiritually empty.