אָפֵל
𐤀𐤐𐤋
ʼâphêl
H651 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Dark, deep shadow, very obscure; describes a state of pronounced darkness, often in contrast with light or clarity. In context, can refer to literal darkness (e.g., absence of light) or to figurative situations characterized by gloom, obscurity, or lack of certainty.
Semantic Range
deep darkness, gloom, impenetrable shadow, obscurity, state of profound lack of light; figuratively, a situation of extreme uncertainty or distress
Root / Etymology
The term אָפֵל (ʼâphêl) appears to derive from a root conveying the sense of 'darkening' or 'becoming dark.' Though the root is otherwise unused in the Hebrew Bible, it appears to be cognate with Northwest Semitic roots of similar meaning. The primary sense reflects the concept of darkness or obscurity rather than a procedural 'setting' action (as of the sun).
Historical & Contextual Notes
אָפֵל is rare in biblical Hebrew, occurring only a handful of times (e.g., Job 3:5; 10:22; Joel 2:2), always in poetic passages emphasizing the extremity of darkness, often linked to calamity, chaos, or cosmic phenomena. Unlike the more common חֹשֶׁךְ (ḥoshekh), which refers broadly to darkness, אָפֵל is associated with 'deep darkness,' often reinforcing the sense of impenetrability or absolute absence of light. Some late antique translations (including the Septuagint's use of γνόφος and σκοτία) emphasize this extreme quality. In post-exilic and later Jewish literature, related forms are less common, sometimes replaced by Aramaic roots. Standard English translations (e.g., 'gloom,' 'very dark,' 'deep darkness') generally render the nuance, but may lose the poetic force or distinctive sense of extremity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to set as the sun; dusky; very dark.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
אפל (maʼăphêl) — to become dark, obscure, grow dim
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3990 | מַאֲפֵל | deep gloom |
| H3991 | מַאְפֵלְיָה | deep darkness |
| H653 | אֲפֵלָה | deep darkness |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H651-01 |
וְ/אָפֵ֖ל | veafel | HC/Aamsa |
and-gloom | and deep-dark | and deep-dark | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H651-01 |
Amos 5:20 | וְ/אָפֵ֖ל | veafel | HC/Aamsa |
and-gloom | and deep-dark | and deep-dark |