יָפֵחַ
𐤉𐤐𐤇
yâphêach
H3307 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Puff or breath; a sudden or forceful exhalation of breath, used both literally for breathing or blowing and, by extension, to denote the act of speaking, especially in the context of expressing thoughts aloud or meditating (inwardly uttering thoughts).
Semantic Range
puff (of breath), exhalation, blowing, breathing out words, expressing thoughts, utterance, meditation (as 'breathing out' reflections)
Root / Etymology
From the root יָפַח, which means 'to breathe, blow, puff.' יָפֵחַ is a noun form derived from this root, signifying the act or result of blowing or puffing. The development into figurative meanings, such as expressing or meditating, arises from the physical act of exhalation being associated with uttering or considering thoughts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
יָפֵחַ occurs only in rare and poetic contexts in the Hebrew Bible (see Psalm 10:4). Its usage indicates both literal exhalation and the more figurative sense of expressing thoughts, particularly in relation to pride or self-declaration. The connection between breathing and meditating echoes a common Semitic metaphor where inner thoughts are 'breathed out.' Later translations sometimes render the term as 'meditate' or 'utter,' but the primary image remains one of forceful or purposeful exhalation. The term is distinct from other Hebrew words for meditation or utterance (such as הָגָה or אָמַר), as it focuses more on the expressive or outward motion of the breath rather than contemplation or spoken word per se. The word does not have wide currency beyond the poetic material and should not be confused with sustained meditation or intentional, deliberate speech.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from יָפַח; properly, puffing, i.e. (figuratively) meditating; such as breathe out.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
יפח (y-p-ḥ) — to breathe, to blow, to puff
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3306 | יָפַח | she will pant herself |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3307-01 |
וִ/יפֵ֥חַ | vifecha | HC/Ncmsc |
breathing | exhalation of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3307-01 |
Psalms 27:12 | וִ/יפֵ֥חַ | vifecha | HC/Ncmsc |
breathing | exhalation of |