תַּפּוּחַ (tap.pu.ach)
tap.pu.ach
apple
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tapuach refers to an apple or the apple tree itself. In the Old Testament, it appears in only five verses, primarily within the poetic books of Song of Solomon and Proverbs, with a single occurrence in Joel. The word denotes both the fruit and the tree that bears it, serving as a concrete image of natural beauty and sustenance.
Its most famous usage occurs in Song of Solomon 2:3, where the beloved is compared to an apple tree among the trees of the forest. This metaphor highlights the tree’s distinctive shade and pleasant fruit, suggesting a unique place of comfort and delight in the lover’s life. The imagery relies on the sensory experience of finding relief from the heat under the canopy of a specific, valued tree.
While modern readers associate tapuach with the crisp, round fruit we know today, scholars note that ancient Near Eastern "apples" may have referred to other fragrant fruits like citrons or quinces. Regardless of the exact botanical identification, the term consistently conveys something desirable and refreshing. It anchors abstract feelings of affection in tangible, everyday nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tapuach brings to mind more than just a piece of fruit; it evokes the deep comfort of finding shade on a hot day. In the ancient world, an apple tree was a prized source of relief and sweetness. When Scripture uses this image, it points to God as that place of rest. Just as travelers sought the cool canopy of a valued tree, we find our souls refreshed when we linger in His presence.
This imagery appears beautifully in Song of Solomon, where the lover finds delight under the beloved’s shadow. It reminds us that faith is not merely about duty but about finding joy and sustenance in relationship. When life feels weary, we are invited to lean into that spiritual shade, allowing God’s word to strengthen us like sweet fruit after a long journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with <the>/ apples1×
- the/ apple tree1×
- like/ an apple tree1×
- apples of1×
- and/ [the] apple tree1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּפּוּחֵ֣י1×
- כְּ/תַפּ֙וּחַ֙1×
- וְ/תַפּ֗וּחַ1×
- הַ/תַּפּ֙וּחַ֙1×
- בַּ/תַּפּוּחִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 2:3
As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, his fruit was sweet to my taste.
This verse establishes the core metaphor of finding unique delight and rest under the shadow of the beloved, mirroring how believers find refuge in Christ.
-
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Here the word describes golden apples in silver settings, illustrating how timely speech brings beauty and value to communication.
-
Song of Solomon 2:5
Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples; for I am faint with love.
The speaker asks to be refreshed with apples, using the fruit as a tangible symbol for spiritual strength during times of faintness.