תָּפַשׂ (ta.pha.s)
ta.pha.s
to capture
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 48 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb taphas means to seize, grasp, or lay hold of something with physical force. It describes the act of taking control, whether arresting a person, capturing a city in war, or simply picking up an object. The word appears frequently in historical narratives like Kings and Chronicles, where armies take towns or soldiers arrest suspects, but it also covers everyday actions like handling tools.
A distinctive feature of taphas is its use for wielding instruments. The sources note that the same root describes holding a sickle to harvest (Jeremiah 50:16), gripping a bow in battle (Amos 2:15), or even playing the harp (Genesis 4:21). This suggests a meaning beyond mere capture; it implies using one’s hands to manipulate an object with skill and purpose.
The word also carries a figurative weight when applied to divine matters. In Proverbs 30:9, the text warns against "taking hold of the name of Jehovah," which Gesenius explains as doing violence to God’s name through perjury. Here, the physical act of seizing becomes a metaphor for misusing or violating something sacred, showing how the term bridges concrete action and spiritual responsibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word taphas captures a wide range of human actions, from the violent act of seizing a prisoner to the gentle handling of a musical instrument. It reminds us that our hands are tools of agency. We use them to build, to create art like Jubal’s harp playing, and to hold onto what is precious. At the same time, the word warns against using force to harm others or to misuse sacred things.
In your daily life, this verb invites reflection on how you 'lay hold' of opportunities and relationships. Do you grasp with care, respecting the dignity of those around you? Or do you seize control in ways that damage trust? The text shows that physical strength must be guided by wisdom and reverence for God.
When we feel powerless, remember that true security comes not from holding onto people tightly, but from trusting in God’s provision. He is the one who ultimately captures our hearts and leads us into peace. Let your hands be instruments of kindness rather than instruments of control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 48 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he seized4×
- seize/ them3×
- and/ they seized3×
- you will be captured2×
- and/ they seized/ them2×
- and/ he seized/ them2×
- [who] wield2×
- you will grasp1×
- you were caught1×
- you have taken hold of1×
- when/ have captured/ you1×
- to/ catch/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֹּפְשֵׂ֣י2×
- תָּפַ֛שׂ2×
- תִּתָּפֵ֔שׂ2×
- תִּפְשׂ֣וּ/ם2×
- וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשׂוּ֙2×
- וַֽ/יִּתְפְּשֵֽׂ/ם\׃2×
- תֹּפֵ֥שׂ1×
- תֹּפְשֵׂ֖י1×
- תֹּפְשִׂ֖י1×
- תָּפוּשׂ֙1×
- תָּפֹ֣שׂ1×
- תָּ֣פְשׂוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:21
His brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe.
This verse highlights the creative aspect of taphas, describing Jubal as the one who handles musical instruments, showing skillful use of hands.
-
I Kings 18:40
Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Don’t let one of them escape!” They seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and killed them there.
Here taphas is used in a command to seize false prophets, illustrating its application in judicial or religious enforcement.
-
Deuteronomy 9:17
I took hold of the two tablets, and threw them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes.
Moses uses this word to describe physically taking hold of the stone tablets, emphasizing his direct engagement with God's law.
-
Genesis 39:12
She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
This narrative shows taphas in a negative context where Joseph’s garment is seized, highlighting the word's neutrality regarding moral intent.