שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן
𐤔𐤐𐤉𐤐𐤍
shᵉphîyphôn
a viper
A type of snake or serpent, likely a species characterized by its stealth or striking behavior. In biblical context, the term refers to a venomous or dangerous serpent, possibly the horned viper (cerastes), known in the Levantine wilderness. The semantic range also includes the use of the term in similes and metaphors for swiftness, cunning, or lurking danger.
Genesis 49:17 · Word #6
Lexicon H8207
| Lemma | שְׁפִיפֹן |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤔𐤐𐤉𐤐𐤍 |
| Transliteration | shᵉphîyphôn |
| Strong's | H8207 |
| Definition | A type of snake or serpent, likely a species characterized by its stealth or striking behavior. In biblical context, the term refers to a venomous or dangerous serpent, possibly the horned viper (cerastes), known in the Levantine wilderness. The semantic range also includes the use of the term in similes and metaphors for swiftness, cunning, or lurking danger. |
Morphology HNcmsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | a viper |
SIBI-P1 Translation H8207-01
striking serpent
| Morphological Notes | Noun, common, masculine singular, absolute state. |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun derives from the root שוף (“to crush, strike”), likely denoting a serpent characterized by striking or snapping. “Striking serpent” preserves the root sense while reflecting the masculine singular absolute noun form. |
View full lexicon entry for H8207 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
striking serpent
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | P1 chooses a specific rendering supported by SILEX for this likely venomous or active serpent; the context is describing threat or action, so specificity is appropriate. |