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עָפָר

𐤏𐤐𐤓

ʻâphâr

H6083 noun

SILEX Entry

Root עפר to become dust, to turn to powder, to be reduced to fine earth

Definition

Fine, loose particles of earth; dust. Refers to dry soil, powdery ground, or small earthy particles. In different contexts, it can designate the earth or soil covering the ground, the dust to which something is reduced, the material out of which humans and other living beings are formed, or the state of decay and mortality (as in returning to the dust). It may also denote the multitude or mass when used metaphorically (e.g., numberless as the dust).

Semantic Range

dust, dry loose earth, soil, powdered substance, ash, ground, mortar for building, rubbish, multitude (figurative), humble state, mortality

Root / Etymology

From the root עפר (ʻ-p-r), which fundamentally means 'to become dust' or 'to turn to dust.' The noun עָפָר derives from this root, denoting the substance or state characterized by fine particles of earth. Although similar words occur in other Semitic languages, suggesting a common Semitic heritage, the precise origin is rooted in the Hebrew verbal root meaning 'to become powdery' or 'to be turned to dust.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, עָפָר is used both in literal and figurative senses. Literally, it can refer to soil, dry dirt, the surface of the earth, or powdered earth. It is frequently used in descriptions of creation (Genesis 2:7: 'Then YHWH Elohim formed the human from עָפָר of the ground'), mortality ('ashes to ashes, dust to dust'), and humility (sitting in or placing dust upon one's head in mourning or repentance). The term often carries connotations of impermanence, humility, or lowly status. In poetry and prophecy, עָפָר can symbolize the multitude (e.g., descendants numerous as the dust), mortality (return to dust), or the facelessness of the underworld (the dead returning to earth). In later texts and rabbinic tradition, it further develops as a symbol of ephemerality or human origin. Compared to related terms like אֲדָמָה ('soil, arable land'), עָפָר generally expresses a less cultivated, more primordial concept of earth or dirt—loose, dry, easily scattered. Standard English translations as 'dust' or 'earth' often fail to encompass both the literal and metaphorical breadth of the term. Usage is consistent from early to late biblical periods, with some poetic expansion in wisdom and prophetic literature.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָפַר; dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud; ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עפר (ʿ-p-r) — to become dust, to turn to powder, to be reduced to fine earth

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H5777 עוֹפֶרֶת the dusty-metal (lead)
H6080 עָפַר and he dusted
H6081 עֵפֶר Epher
H6082 עֹפֶר fawn of
H6084 עׇפְרָה Doe

Word Forms

21 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6083-01 עָפָר֙ afar HNcmsa dust dust 48
H6083-07 הֶֽ/עָפָר֙ heafar HTd/Ncmsa the dust the dust 8
H6083-09 כֶּֽ/עָפָ֖ר keafar HRd/Ncmsa like dust like dust 8
H6083-10 לְ/עָפָ֑ר leafar HR/Ncmsa to dust to dust 7
H6083-11 מֵ/עֲפַ֖ר meafar HR/Ncmsc from the dust from dust 6
H6083-06 בֶּ/עָפָֽר beafar HRd/Ncmsa in the dust in dust 6
H6083-18 וְ/עָפָ֥ר veafar HC/Ncmsa and dust dust 4
H6083-08 כַּ/עֲפַ֣ר kaafar HR/Ncmsc like the dust as dust 4
H6083-12 וּ/מֵֽ/עָפָ֖ר umeafar HC/R/Ncmsa and from the dust and from dust 3
H6083-03 עֲפָרָ֖/ם afaram HNcmsc/Sp3mp dust of them their dust 3

Occurrences in Scripture

110 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6083-01 Genesis 2:7 עָפָר֙ afar HNcmsa dust dust
H6083-18 Genesis 3:14 וְ/עָפָ֥ר veafar HC/Ncmsa and dust dust
H6083-01 Genesis 3:19 עָפָ֣ר afar HNcmsa dust dust
H6083-01 Genesis 3:19 עָפָ֖ר afar-2 HNcmsa dust dust
H6083-08 Genesis 13:16 כַּ/עֲפַ֣ר kaafar HR/Ncmsc like the dust as dust
H6083-01 Genesis 13:16 עֲפַ֣ר afar HNcmsc dust dust
H6083-01 Genesis 18:27 עָפָ֥ר afar HNcmsa dust dust
H6083-01 Genesis 26:15 עָפָֽר afar HNcmsa with earth dust
H6083-08 Genesis 28:14 כַּ/עֲפַ֣ר kaafar HR/Ncmsc like the dust as dust
H6083-01 Exodus 8:12 עֲפַ֣ר afar HNcmsc the dust of dust
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