מַאֲפֵל
𐤌𐤀𐤐𐤋
maʼăphêl
H3990 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or place characterized by deep darkness, gloom, or heavy obscurity, particularly as an environmental or atmospheric phenomenon often contrasted with light. The term is used in poetic or heightened descriptions to convey intense darkness or lack of illumination, both literally (e.g., the darkness that can be experienced or felt) and figuratively (as in calamity or dire circumstances).
Semantic Range
deep darkness, thick gloom, state of heavy obscurity; overwhelming or palpable darkness, darkness associated with theophanic or catastrophic events, metaphor for severe calamity or peril
Root / Etymology
From the root אָפֵל (ʾpl), meaning 'to be dark, become obscured.' מַאֲפֵל is a noun formation indicating the condition or substance of deep darkness or thick gloom. The initial מ- prefix (mem) in noun formation typically denotes a state, place, or result of the root action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מַאֲפֵל appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, notably in poetic passages (e.g., Exodus 10:22 and Psalm 18:10 [MT 18:11]), typically emphasizing impenetrable or overwhelming darkness distinct from the everyday nighttime (לַיְלָה). It often conveys the idea of extraordinary, tangible darkness associated with theophanic events (such as the plague of darkness in Egypt) or divine presence in storm-theophany contexts. This darkness is depicted as more intense than ordinary absence of light, sometimes associated with fear or divine awe. In later Hebrew, similar terms (e.g., חֹשֶׁךְ) carry a broader sense, but מַאֲפֵל retains the specific sense of profound or enveloping darkness. English translations often use 'thick darkness,' 'deep darkness,' or 'gloom,' but may miss its metaphorical nuance or the sense of palpable obscurity prominent in its biblical contexts. Not to be confused with later theological or moral abstractions of darkness; its usage is primarily atmospheric and descriptive.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as אָפֵל; something opaque; darkness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אפל (ʾ-p-l) — to become dark, grow dim, become obscured
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3991 | מַאְפֵלְיָה | deep darkness |
| H648 | אָפִיל | unripe ones |
| H651 | אָפֵל | and deep-dark |
| H652 | אֹפֶל | in the deep darkness |
| H653 | אֲפֵלָה | deep darkness |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3990-01 |
מַֽאֲפֵ֜ל | maafel | HNcmsa |
darkness | deep gloom | deep gloom | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3990-01 |
Joshua 24:7 | מַֽאֲפֵ֜ל | maafel | HNcmsa |
darkness | deep gloom | deep gloom |