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הֲפֻגָה

𐤄𐤐𐤂𐤄

hăphugâh

H2014 noun

SILEX Entry

Root פוג to grow numb, to become weak, to abate

Definition

A cessation of activity or relief, an intermission or pause, especially in the context of suffering, oppression, or distress; refers to a period of respite or temporary relief from ongoing pressure or affliction. The primary lexical meaning centers on a temporary interruption in a difficult or burdensome situation, rather than a complete or permanent end.

Semantic Range

respite, relief, intermission, cessation, pause, temporary abatement, suspension of distress

Root / Etymology

From the root פוּג (pwg), meaning 'to become numb, to grow weak, to abate.' The noun form הֲפֻגָה (hăphugâh) is derived from this root, signifying a state or period when something (typically distress or pressure) abates or becomes less intense.

Historical & Contextual Notes

הֲפֻגָה occurs rarely, with its only attestation in the Hebrew Bible being in Esther 9:16 and 9:22, where it refers to relief or rest from enemies for the Israelites. The term does not inherently denote a religious or theological concept, but emphasizes a cessation or lessening of hardship. Related roots include פוּג ('to abate, become feeble') and נוח ('to rest'), but הֲפֻגָה specifically involves the notion of a break or easing in distressful circumstances, not absolute peace or rest (cf. מנוחה menûḥāh). Later Hebrew preserved the term in the sense of a 'recess' or 'pause.' English translations as 'rest' or 'relief' may overly generalize the term; in context, it highlights a temporary and situational nature of reprieve. In Persian and Hellenistic periods, such reliefs were significant for Judean communities facing repeated threats. The term does not denote Sabbath or covenantal rest, but rather an episodic interruption in adversity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from פּוּג; relaxation; intermission.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

פוג (p-w-g) — grow numb, become weak, abate

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H6313 פּוּג I have grown slack
H6314 פּוּגָה abating respite

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2014-01 הֲפֻגֽוֹת hafugot HNcfpa intermissions respite periods 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2014-01 Lamentations 3:49 הֲפֻגֽוֹת hafugot HNcfpa intermissions respite periods
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