סָפַק
sa.phaq
to slap
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew lemma סָפַק, translated as "to slap," indicates a physical action of striking the face or body. This verb conveys a sense of forceful contact, suggesting a violent or harsh interaction. With 9 occurrences in the Bible, it's clear that this action holds significance in various contexts. The word סָפַק appears to be used primarily in a negative light, often in descriptions of conflict, abuse, or violence. This emphasis highlights the word's association with painful or hurtful experiences. Its limited occurrences also suggest that this verb might have a specialized or nuanced meaning within the broader Hebrew lexicon. The significance of סָפַק lies in its representation of interpersonal conflict and the physical manifestation of hurt or aggression. Despite its relatively rare use, this verb provides insight into the physical and emotional dynamics present in various biblical narratives, adding depth to the portrayal of human relationships and conflicts.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
Men will clap their hands at him, and will hiss him out of his place.
Job 34:26He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
Job 34:37For he adds rebellion to his sin. He claps his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God.”
Isaiah 2:6For you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled from the east, with those who practice divination like the Philistines, and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners.
Jeremiah 31:19Surely after that I was turned. I repented. After that I was instructed. I struck my thigh. I was ashamed, yes, even confounded, because I bore the reproach of my youth.’
Jeremiah 48:26“Make him drunken; for he magnified himself against Yahweh. Moab will wallow in his vomit, and he also will be in derision.
Lamentations 2:15All that pass by clap their hands at you. They hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, “Is this the city that men called ‘The perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth’?”
Ezekiel 21:12Cry and wail, son of man; for it is on my people. It is on all the princes of Israel. They are delivered over to the sword with my people. Therefore beat your thigh.
Numbers 24:10Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.