← H660 H662 →

אָפַף

𐤀𐤐𐤐

ʼâphaph

H661 verb

SILEX Entry

Root אָפַף to surround, to encircle, to envelop

Definition

To encompass, encircle, or envelop completely. Used both literally for physically surrounding or closing in upon something or someone, and figuratively for experiences or emotions (such as fear or distress) that overwhelm or enclose a person.

Semantic Range

to surround physically, to encompass, to encircle with forces or emotions, to overwhelm, to envelop

Root / Etymology

From the root אָפַף (ʾ-p-p), meaning to surround or encircle. The word is a primary verb of action, utilizing consonantal doubling (Piel) to intensify the sense of enclosure or thoroughness in surrounding.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, אָפַף appears mainly in poetic or highly descriptive contexts. It describes physical events, such as waters or enemies surrounding someone (e.g., Psalm 18:5, 'cords of death encompassed me'), as well as metaphorical states like troubles, fear, or darkness encircling a person. The underlying sense is one of inescapable enclosure, either threatening or overwhelming, rather than simply adjacent or near. The term is distinct from other verbs denoting 'surround' (e.g., סָבַב sabab), which can carry more neutral or even positive connotations, while אָפַף more commonly stresses the intensity and inescapability of what is encircling. Occasionally used to describe crowds or groups forming around someone, but much less frequently than other verbs. In later Hebrew (post-biblical), related forms retain the sense of being enveloped or wrapped. Standard English translations often render it as 'surround,' 'encompass,' or 'overwhelm,' but these may not always reflect the somber or pressing nuance in biblical contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to surround; compass.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

אפף (ʾ-p-p) — to surround, to encircle, to envelop

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H661-01 אֲפָפֻ֖/נִי afafuni HVqp3cp/Sp1cs surrounded me they encircled me 4
H661-02 אָפְפ֥וּ afefu HVqp3cp have surrounded they surrounded 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H661-01 2 Samuel 22:5 אֲפָפֻ֖/נִי afafuni HVqp3cp/Sp1cs encompassed me they encircled me
H661-01 Jonah 2:6 אֲפָפ֤וּ/נִי afafuni HVqp3cp/Sp1cs surrounded me they encircled me
H661-01 Psalms 18:5 אֲפָפ֥וּ/נִי afafuni HVqp3cp/Sp1cs tightened around me they encircled me
H661-02 Psalms 40:13 אָפְפ֥וּ afefu HVqp3cp have surrounded they surrounded
H661-01 Psalms 116:3 אֲפָפ֤וּ/נִי afafuni HVqp3cp/Sp1cs surrounded me they encircled me
← H660 Hebrew Lexicon H662 →