שַׂרְעַף
𐤔𐤓𐤏𐤐
sarʻaph
H8312 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A surge or tumult of thoughts; an inward agitation or intense, emotional wrestling of the mind. In biblical usage, it generally denotes inner turmoil, disquiet, or anxious reflection, rather than a neutral or purely rational 'thought.'
Semantic Range
inner turmoil, anxious or agitated thoughts, inward unrest, mental distress, psychological agitation
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root שָׂעַף (s-ʻ-p), which conveys the sense of splitting, branching off, or being divided. שַׂרְעַף functions as a noun possibly formed by the addition of the prefix ש (sh) to the root, indicating a particular instance or state of inner division. Thus, the word reflects not just 'thought' but the state of being split or unsettled inwardly.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שַׂרְעַף appears only in poetic and wisdom contexts, notably in the Psalms (Ps 94:19), describing a state of inner anxiety, agitation, or mental unrest. The term differs from other Hebrew words for thought (like מַחֲשָׁבָה machashavah, which emphasizes intentional or creative thinking) by highlighting the emotional upheaval or fragmentation of the mind rather than clear, reasoned consideration. English translations often render it as 'thoughts,' 'anxious thoughts,' or 'disquieting thoughts,' but these may not fully capture its nuance of emotional or psychological disturbance. The concept likely reflects ancient Israelite understanding of the mind as susceptible to inner division and turmoil, especially in the context of distress or trouble. The use of the term is rare and tied specifically to contexts of intense inner struggle, not general cognition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
for סָעִף; cogitation; thought.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂעף (s-ʿ-p) — to split, divide, branch off
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8312-01 |
שַׂרְעַפַּ֣/י | sareapay | HNcmpc/Sp1cs |
my anxious thoughts | my inner divisions | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8312-01 |
Psalms 94:19 | שַׂרְעַפַּ֣/י | sareapay | HNcmpc/Sp1cs |
of my anxious thoughts | my inner divisions |
H8312-01 |
Psalms 139:23 | שַׂרְעַפָּֽ/י | sareapay | HNcmpc/Sp1cs |
my anxious thoughts | my inner divisions |