שֶׂ֫פֶק (se.pheq)
se.pheq
mockery; sufficiency
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sepeq carries two distinct meanings that appear in the Bible: "sufficiency" or plenty, and "mockery" derived from hand-clapping. This rare word appears only twice in Scripture, both times within the book of Job. In these specific contexts, it describes the taunting gestures of those who scorn the suffering righteous man.
The connection between these definitions lies in the physical act of clapping hands. In ancient Near Eastern culture, this gesture was often used to express derision or ridicule toward someone’s misfortune. Therefore, when Job’s friends speak of sepeq, they are likely referring to the scornful applause of onlookers who view his plight as a spectacle rather than a tragedy.
Translators must carefully choose between "plenty" and "mockery" based on the immediate context. In Job 20:23, for instance, the word illustrates how God’s anger will bring down abundance upon the wicked, turning their supposed security into a target for divine judgment. The term captures both the material state of having enough and the social act of mocking that lack.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sepeq appears only twice in Scripture, yet it carries a heavy weight. It describes either a state of sufficiency or the act of mockery, often linked by the physical gesture of clapping hands. In ancient times, this gesture could signal derision toward someone’s misfortune, turning their suffering into a spectacle for onlookers.
When Job’s friends speak of sepeq, they are likely referring to the scornful applause of those who view his plight as a tragedy rather than a divine mystery. This reminds us that our own security can sometimes become a target for judgment if we rely on it too much. It also warns against the pride that leads us to mock others in their pain.
Ultimately, this rare word invites us to examine our hearts. Do we find true sufficiency in God, or do we seek validation in the approval of others? May we avoid the trap of scornful judgment and instead offer grace to those who are suffering, knowing that our worth is found in Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sufficiency/ his1×
- in/ mockery1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׂ֭פְק/וֹ1×
- בְ/סָ֑פֶק1×
Key Verses
-
Job 20:22
In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress will overtake him. The hand of everyone who is in misery will come on him.
This verse uses sepeq to describe the 'fullness of sufficiency' that precedes distress, showing how material abundance can become a vulnerability when it leads to pride.
-
Job 36:18
Don’t let riches entice you to wrath, neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside.
Here, sepeq is linked to the danger of riches enticing one into wrath, highlighting how wealth can distort judgment and lead to moral failure.