סַ֕ף

𐤎𐤐

saf

Saph

the same as סַף; Saph, a Philistine; Saph. Compare סִפַּי.

H5593

2 Samuel 21:18 · Word #15

Lexicon H5593

Lemmaסַף
Lemma (Paleo)𐤎𐤐
TransliterationÇaph
Strong'sH5593
In-contextSaph

Morphology HNp All morphology codes

Part of Speech N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea
Subtype p — Proper Name — Proper name

SIBI-P1 H5593-01

threshold

Rootסף (s-p̄)
Core Meaningsedge, border, threshold, sill, basin
Semantic RangeDoorway threshold, sill, entrance border, temple threshold, and in some contexts a basin or bowl associated with ritual use.
Conceptual SignificanceThe threshold represents a liminal boundary—marking transition between outside and inside, common and sacred. In ritual contexts (e.g., temple imagery or Passover narrative), it signifies a point of consecration, protection, or divine-human encounter.
Morphological NotesMasculine singular noun; appears in both absolute (HNcmsa) and construct (HNcmsc) states. One related form (H5593) is a proper name spelled identically but distinct in usage.
Rendering RationaleThe noun derives from the root סף, conveying the idea of an edge or border point. "Threshold" preserves this core sense of a boundary place. The morphology indicates a masculine singular noun (absolute or construct), which is accurately reflected by the singular English form.

AI-generated (openai/gpt-5.2-chat-latest)

Words from Root סף (edge, border, threshold, sill, basin)

SILEX Code Transliteration SIBI-P1
H5598-01 sipay Basin-Man

Word Usage

Location Form Transliteration Meaning
2 Samuel 21:18 סַ֕ף saf Saph