עֵיפָה
𐤏𐤉𐤐𐤄
ʻêyphâh
H5890 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state of gloom, deep shadow, or darkness, either literally as a lack of light or metaphorically as a condition of despair or obscurity. The term is used to denote thick darkness or heavy gloom, particularly in poetic or prophetic contexts to evoke the sense of overwhelming darkness or hopelessness.
Semantic Range
gloom, thick darkness, deep shadow, obscurity, state of profound darkness or despair
Root / Etymology
Root: עוּף (ʿ-w-p), meaning 'to cover, to fly, to be darkened.' עֵיפָה (ʻêyphâh) is a feminine noun form derived via an uncertain process—possibly by analogy with adjective/noun patterns that express states or qualities. Its formation is associated with states of being enveloped or darkened, but the precise morphological pathway is debated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עֵיפָה appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in poetic and prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah 8:22, Job 28:3). The term indicates not just physical darkness but a profound or oppressive gloom, which is often paired with terms denoting distress or affliction. It is closely related in sense and sometimes used synonymously with אֲפֵלָה ('afelah, 'darkness'), though עֵיפָה emphasizes the thickness or totality of the darkness rather than simply the absence of light. In some later translation traditions, the nuance of desperate obscurity or calamity becomes dominant. The reference to 'covering' in ancient Hebrew reflects darkness as something that envelops or conceals, rather than simply an absence. English translations often render this word as 'darkness,' 'gloom,' or 'obscurity,' but may not capture the fullness of the term’s evocative power, especially in poetic passages. Its usage does not demonstrate significant historical development due to its rarity, but the consistent imagery informs our understanding across contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine from עוּף; obscurity (as if from covering); darkness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
uncertain (Egyptian loanword) (ʾ-y-p-h (loanword)) — dry measure, vessel, standard quantity
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5890-02 |
עֵיפָ֨תָ/ה | eyfatah | HNcfsa/Sh |
of utter gloom | enveloping gloom | 1 |
H5890-01 |
עֵיפָ֔ה | eyfah | HNcfsa |
darkness | standard grain-measure | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences