צָפַד (tsa.phad)
tsa.phad
to shrivel
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsa.phad describes a physical shrinking or contracting motion. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Lamentations 4:8. In this context, it depicts how the skin of the afflicted has shriveled up against their bones due to extreme famine and suffering.
This rare word captures the visceral reality of bodily decay under duress. Rather than a general term for weakness, it specifically conveys the tightening and drying of flesh. The image is one of severe emaciation, where the body’s reserves are exhausted, leaving skin pulled tight over bone.
Its single occurrence underscores the depth of despair in Lamentations. By using such a specific physical description, the text moves beyond abstract sorrow to show the tangible cost of judgment. The word serves as a stark reminder of the human cost when divine protection is withdrawn.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsa.phad appears only once in Scripture, describing a body so ravaged by famine that skin shrivels tight against bone. This visceral image from Lamentations 4:8 does not merely describe physical pain; it reveals the depth of human vulnerability when suffering strips away all comfort and dignity.
Yet this stark reality points to a God who sees our deepest brokenness. Even in seasons where we feel hollowed out or diminished, You are present. Your strength is made perfect in our weakness, offering hope when physical reserves run dry.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it has shriveled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צָפַ֤ד1×
Key Verses
-
Lamentations 4:8
Their appearance is blacker than a coal. They are not known in the streets. Their skin clings to their bones. It is withered. It has become like wood.
This verse uses the word to depict extreme emaciation where skin clings to bones due to famine.