עִיף (a.yeph)
a.yeph
be faint
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word `aph` describes a state of physical exhaustion or faintness. It appears in five verses across the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Judges, 1 Samuel, and Jeremiah. The term captures the moment when strength fails, leaving a person too weak to continue.
In these texts, `aph` often depicts soldiers or leaders who have been pushed beyond their limits. For example, in 1 Samuel 14:28, Jonathan’s men are described as faint after a long day of battle and fasting. Similarly, Jeremiah 50:36 uses the word to describe the dismay and weakness of an army facing defeat. The sense is not just tiredness, but a collapse of energy.
Translators usually render `aph` as "faint" or "weary." This choice highlights the physical reality of the condition. It is a vivid picture of human limitation, reminding readers that strength is not endless. The word serves as a stark reminder of the body’s need for rest and restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word aph describes a state of physical exhaustion or faintness where strength simply fails. It appears in five verses across the Old Testament, often depicting soldiers or leaders pushed beyond their limits. For instance, Jonathan’s men were so weary after battle that they could barely continue (1 Samuel 14:28). This is not just tiredness but a collapse of energy, highlighting human limitation and the body's need for rest.
When you feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, this word reminds you that it is okay to acknowledge your weakness. God does not expect you to be endlessly strong. Instead, He invites you to rest in His provision when your own strength runs out. In moments of deep fatigue, like the despair felt in Jeremiah 4:31, remember that your faintness is seen and understood by Him.
This awareness can bring comfort rather than shame. Recognizing your limits allows you to lean on divine support instead of relying solely on your own power. It is a call to humility and trust, knowing that restoration comes not from pushing harder but from receiving grace in your weakness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it was weary2×
- and/ he was weary2×
- it is weary1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יָּ֥עַף2×
- וַ/יָּ֖עַף2×
- עָיְפָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 14:28
Then one of the people answered, and said, “Your father directly commanded the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats food today.’” So the people were faint.
This verse shows how a strict oath led the people to physical faintness, illustrating how external pressures can drain strength.
-
I Samuel 14:31
They struck the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint;
Here the word emphasizes the sheer exhaustion of victory, where even success leaves the army too weak to pursue further.
-
II Samuel 21:15
The Philistines had war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines. David grew faint;
David’s faintness in battle highlights that even great leaders experience physical limits and need support from others.