H6848 צֶפַע tsephaʻ → ← H6832 צְפוּעַ tsᵉphûwaʻ
12 languagesA type of venomous serpent, specifically a viper, recognized in ancient Israelite contexts as a dangerous, venomous snake. The term is used to denote a particular species of serpent, often referenced in poetic or prophetic passages to symbolize lethal threat or cunning. In some contexts, the word can allude metaphorically to hidden danger or unexpected peril.
Etymology
Root/Etymology: Root uncertain. Although traditionally connected to a root meaning 'to extrude' or 'to spit/hiss,' there is no securely attested root צפע in Biblical Hebrew. The noun צֶפַע appears as an independent lexical item for 'viper'; the denominative verb צִפְעֹנִי (tsiph'oní) shares a plausible relationship, but the underlying root is not found elsewhere.
Reflexes · not yet grouped by proto-form
| Language | Word | Meaning | Segmentation | Root |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bemba | nsoka | snake | ||
| Chichewa | nyoka | snake | ||
| Kikuyu | nyoka | snake, serpent | ||
| Kinyarwanda | inyoka | snake | ||
| Lingala | nyoka | snake | ||
| Makua | nyoka | snake | ||
| Shona | nyoka | snake, serpent | ||
| Sukuma | nyooka | snake | ||
| Swahili | nyoka | snake | ||
| Tonga | nyoka | snake, serpent | ||
| Xhosa | inyoka | snake, serpent | ||
| Zulu | inyoka | snake, serpent |