אַף

𐤀𐤐

ʼaph

H638 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to add, to emphasize, to introduce another statement

Definition

A conjunctive adverb in Biblical Aramaic, serving to introduce an additional element in a statement (frequently translated 'also,' 'even,' 'indeed,' 'yea'); in an adversative sense, sometimes 'but,' or 'though.' It is primarily used to introduce an additional or emphatic assertion, or to contrast two statements depending on context.

Semantic Range

also, even, indeed, yea, but, though, moreover, in addition

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. Although it corresponds formally to the Hebrew אַף (af), meaning 'nose, anger,' this conjunction in Aramaic is etymologically distinct and does not derive from the Hebrew root אף (to be angry; nose). Rather, it is a particle of addition or emphasis in Aramaic, whose precise origin is unclear; possibly shared with related Semitic conjunctions.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Biblical Aramaic (e.g., Daniel, Ezra), אַף is used primarily as an adverbial or conjunctive particle. It generally introduces an added statement or emphasizes an assertion in narrative or direct speech. Its use is similar to the Hebrew גַּם (gam, 'also'), but with occasional greater emphasis or contrast. English translations often render it as 'also,' 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'yea,' though some contexts require a more nuanced understanding, such as 'but' or 'though' when functioning adversatively. It should not be confused with the Hebrew noun אַף ('nose,' 'anger'), which, though spelled identically, is unrelated in meaning in this context. The use of אַף as a conjunction is specific to Aramaic portions of the Tanakh, and does not occur in the same way in biblical Hebrew prose.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to אַף; {meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though}; also.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אף (ʾ-p̄) — protrusion, prominence, nose, face, anger

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H600 אֲנַף his face
H637 אַף indeed
H639 אַף nose
H649 אַפַּיִם two nostrils

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H638-01 וְ/אַ֤ף veaf AC/Ta and also and even 4

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H638-01 Daniel 6:23 וְ/אַ֤ף veaf AC/Ta and also and even
H638-01 Ezra 5:10 וְ/אַ֧ף veaf AC/Ta and also and even
H638-01 Ezra 5:14 וְ֠/אַף veaf AC/Ta and also and even
H638-01 Ezra 6:5 וְ֠/אַף veaf AC/Ta and also and even