רֻטֲפַשׁ
𐤓𐤈𐤐𐤔
ruṭăphash
H7375 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
The term רֻטֲפַשׁ (ruṭăphash) is attested as a hapax legomenon and is generally understood to denote a state of being reinvigorated, refreshed, or rejuvenated — particularly with reference to physical or metaphorical renewal. Its precise primary sense is debated due to its limited attestation, but it most likely relates to the restoration of vitality or freshness, especially as applied to the body or spirit after fatigue or desiccation. The semantic range includes to be rejuvenated, to be invigorated, to become fresh or renewed (physically or figuratively), or to recover one's strength.
Semantic Range
to be rejuvenated, to be refreshed, to become vigorous, to be restored to former condition, to recover strength or status
Root / Etymology
The form appears to be a compound or blend of the roots רָטֹב (ratov, 'to be moist, fresh') and טָפַשׁ (ṭafash, 'to become insipid, to be dulled'), both rare roots themselves. The resultant compound suggests a return to a fresh or lively state from one of dullness, dryness, or fatigue; however, as both roots are rare and this form is a hapax, the etymology remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רֻטֲפַשׁ appears only once in the Hebrew Bible (Daniel 4:36 [Aramaic 4:33]), where it describes Nebuchadnezzar's restoration to health and status. The context is one of renewal and restoration after a period of debasement or depletion. No clear parallel exists elsewhere in Biblical Hebrew, and the precise nuances must be inferred from context and comparison. Later translations (LXX, Vulgate, early English versions) often render the term with general notions of restoration, renewal, or being furnished anew. Because of its composite etymology, it underscores the process of moving from depletion (dullness, loss of vitality) to a state of refreshment. In the linguistic milieu of the exilic and early post-exilic periods (esp. Daniel's Aramaic sections), such rare or innovative formations reflect both the influence of neighboring languages and creative word-formation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
xlit ruwṭăphash corrected to ruṭăphash; a root compounded from רָטֹב and טָפַשׁ; to be rejuvenated; be fresh.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רטפש (r-ṭ-p-š) — moistness, freshness, dullness, renewal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7375-01 |
רֻֽטֲפַ֣שׁ | rutafash | HVQp3ms |
shall be fresher | has been rejuvenated | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7375-01 |
Job 33:25 | רֻֽטֲפַ֣שׁ | rutafash | HVQp3ms |
shall be fresher | has been rejuvenated |