רְפַס
𐤓𐤐𐤎
rᵉphaç
H7512 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To trample underfoot, to stamp, or figuratively, to prostrate or abase. In Aramaic biblical use, primarily denotes the physical act of stamping, treading down, or pressing with the feet, and by extension, may carry a sense of humiliation or submission (in a prostrate position).
Semantic Range
to trample underfoot, to stamp (vigorously with the feet), to tread down (in the sense of conquest or destruction), to prostrate in forced submission, to abase by trampling
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root רפס, which in both Hebrew and Aramaic conveys the meaning of treading, stamping, or trampling. The lexical form רְפַס is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew verb רָפַס (to trample, stamp), and thus reflects a shared Northwest Semitic root with cognates in other Semitic languages carrying similar meanings.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (notably Daniel 7:7, 19), רְפַס describes the act of trampling down—often in a symbolic or visionary context indicative of dominance, conquest, or humiliation. In the context of Daniel's visions, the term conveys the destructive power of kingdoms or empires that 'trample' others beneath them. This verb does not carry the general sense of 'worship' or positive prostration seen with other prostration-related roots (such as שחה); here, the sense is active oppression or defeat. English translations often use 'trample,' 'stamp,' or 'tread down,' but the nuance of forceful humiliation may be lost. The word is rare and context-dependent, and its sense is best understood from the violent imagery of Daniel's apocalyptic visions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to רָפַס; {to trample, i.e. prostrate}; stamp.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רפס (r-p-s) — to trample, to tread down, to stamp
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7512-01 |
רָפְסָ֑ה | rafesah | AVqrfsa |
and stamped | the trampling-one | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7512-01 |
Daniel 7:7 | רָפְסָ֑ה | rafesah | AVqrfsa |
and stamped | the trampling-one |
H7512-01 |
Daniel 7:19 | רָֽפְסָֽה | rafesah | AVqrfsa |
trampled | the trampling-one |