חֵפֶשׂ
𐤇𐤐𐤔
chêphes
H2665 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A covert scheme or hidden action, often implying a secret plan or stratagem; by extension, the act of searching or investigation, particularly when conducted with secrecy or cunning. The term can denote both the concealed intent behind a ruse and the act of seeking out something hidden.
Semantic Range
secret plan, covert scheme, ruse, stratagem; act of searching in secrecy, investigation with cunning
Root / Etymology
From the root חפשׂ meaning 'to search, look for, investigate.' The noun חֵפֶשׂ is derived from the root and carries the idea of searching with an implication of secrecy or stealth, transferring to the sense of a stratagem or disguise.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חֵפֶשׂ is a rare word in the Hebrew Bible, occurring only in Job 5:12 where it refers to the undermining of secret devisings or schemes. The underlying nuance is not merely a general 'search' but specifically a hidden, covert action or plot. In later Hebrew, related forms retain the sense of searching, but the noun חֵפֶשׂ has not persisted with this exact meaning. English translations often render it as 'enterprise,' 'device,' or 'scheme,' all referring to a plan carried out in secrecy or cunning. This distinguishes it from more neutral words for 'search' such as דָּרַשׁ or בָּקַשׁ, which may lack the element of concealment. Its appearance in a wisdom context indicates a particular focus on hidden, often negative, human intentions rather than open inquiry or ordinary searching.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָפַשׂ; something covert, i.e. a trick; search.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חפשׂ (ḥ-p-ś) — to search, look for, investigate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2664 | חָפַשׂ | I will thoroughly search |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2665-01 |
חֵ֣פֶשׂ | chefes | HNcmsa |
a search | covert search | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2665-01 |
Psalms 64:7 | חֵ֣פֶשׂ | chefes | HNcmsa |
a search | covert search |