עָפַל
𐤏𐤐𐤋
ʻâphal
H6075 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be high or elevated, to swell or rise up (literally or figuratively); in extended senses, to become arrogant, to exalt oneself, or to act presumptuously. The term primarily refers to a state of being physically or metaphorically raised, encompassing both natural elevation or swelling and the human disposition of pride or presumption.
Semantic Range
to rise, to (physically) swell, to be (metaphorically) elated, to exalt oneself, to act presumptuously, to become proud or haughty
Root / Etymology
Root עפל, possibly related to notions of swelling, rising, or becoming elevated. The verb form suggests the action of becoming high or lifted, though its precise relationship to other similar roots (such as גבה or רום) is subject to scholarly debate. Some linkages are proposed to cognates in other Semitic languages relating to swelling or prominence. Etymology somewhat uncertain but commonly associated with the idea of physical or metaphorical elevation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical usage, עָפַל appears rarely and with nuanced meanings, conveying both literal rising or swelling and, in context, figurative elevation of status or spirit. It is distinct from more common verbs for 'to be high' like רום or גבה, often suggesting an abnormal or improper rising, such as presuming or being puffed up. The use of עָפַל to describe elevated land, structures, or attitudes suggests a range from physical prominence (such as a hill or tumor) to metaphorical senses related to pride or arrogance. English translations vary—sometimes using 'to be proud,' 'to presume,' 'to exalt oneself'—but these do not always capture the word's potential nuance of inappropriate or excessive uplifting, whether physical or attitudinal. The term occurs primarily in poetic or prophetic contexts, where its rare use may convey a vivid sense of swelling or excessive self-elevation, as contrasted with the steadier ideas of height seen in other Hebrew roots. Later in the biblical period, alternative verbs and forms become more standard for expressing the idea of elevation, making עָפַל distinctive to earlier or more literary strata. In English translation traditions, the figurative senses often lead to 'pride' or 'presumption,' though the literal and metaphorical nuances are sometimes flattened or overlooked.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to swell; figuratively, be elated; be lifted up, presume.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
עפל (Ofel) — to rise, to swell, to be elevated
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6075-01 |
עֻפְּלָ֔ה | upelah | HVPp3fs |
puffed-up | she was swollen up | it was swollen up | 1 |
H6075-02 |
וַ/יַּעְפִּ֕לוּ | vayaepilu | HC/Vhw3mp |
they presumed | they caused themselves to rise up | they acted arrogantly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6075-02 |
Numbers 14:44 | וַ/יַּעְפִּ֕לוּ | vayaepilu | HC/Vhw3mp |
they presumed | they caused themselves to rise up | they acted arrogantly |
H6075-01 |
Habakkuk 2:4 | עֻפְּלָ֔ה | upelah | HVPp3fs |
puffed-up | she was swollen up | it was swollen up |