זָעֵף
𐤆𐤏𐤐
zâʻêph
H2198 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Adjective denoting a state of being visibly upset, sullen, or resentful, often characterized by a downcast or gloomy appearance; conveys a sense of emotional agitation, especially anger, resentment, or deep dissatisfaction. The term is used of facial expression and mood, emphasizing external manifestation of internal emotion.
Semantic Range
sullen, angry, displeased, downcast, morose, sulking, visibly upset
Root / Etymology
From the root זָעַף, meaning 'to be vexed, be enraged, to be resentful.' The adjective זָעֵף forms from this verb to describe the state or appearance of one experiencing such emotions. The root pertains to emotional disturbance or agitation, especially as visibly displayed.
Historical & Contextual Notes
זָעֵף appears in a small number of biblical texts, notably Genesis 40:6-7, describing the facial expressions of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker as morose or visibly unhappy while imprisoned. The word conveys more than simple 'anger,' encompassing broader emotional states such as brooding, sulking, or deep distress—senses that are sometimes flattened in standard English translations as merely 'angry' or 'sad.' Throughout the Hebrew Bible, זָעֵף emphasizes the outward, often facial, manifestation of internal agitation or dismay; it is distinct from other Hebrew terms for anger (e.g. חָרָה, אַף) that focus more on internal or expressed wrath, rather than visible sullenness. In post-exilic Hebrew, nuance expanded to include gloomy or dejected appearance, not always tied to anger. Standard translations may make theological or behavioral assumptions not present in the lexical meaning.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from זָעַף; angry; displeased.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זעף (z-ʿ-p̄) — to be angry, to be enraged, to be resentful, to be agitated
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2152 | זַלְעָפָה | scorching fury |
| H2196 | זָעַף | and in his seething |
| H2197 | זַעַף | in storming-anger |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2198-01 |
וְ/זָעֵ֑ף | vezaef | HC/Aamsa |
and angry | and visibly upset | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2198-01 |
1 Kings 20:43 | וְ/זָעֵ֑ף | vezaef | HC/Aamsa |
and angry | and visibly upset |
H2198-01 |
1 Kings 21:4 | וְ/זָעֵ֗ף | vezaef | HC/Aamsa |
and angry | and visibly upset |