רָפַס
𐤓𐤐𐤎
râphaç
H7511 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To tread upon, trample underfoot, by extension to abase or humiliate. In some contexts, it denotes physical trampling (as with feet), while in figurative uses it signifies the act of subduing, humiliating, or bringing someone or something into a lowly or submissive state.
Semantic Range
to trample; to tread underfoot; to bring low; to abase; to humiliate; to subjugate; to prostrate (oneself, rarely); to submit (oneself, rarely)
Root / Etymology
From the root רפס, which conveys the idea of stepping down, treading, or trampling. The verb form is used to derive meanings related to pressing down physically or metaphorically. The root itself is attested in a limited set of Hebrew texts, mainly in poetic or visionary contexts, and appears in related Semitic languages with similar senses of trampling.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רָפַס occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, making it a less common verb compared to more typical terms for 'to tread' or 'to humble.' Its usage notably appears in poetic and visionary passages (e.g., Isaiah 14:19), where it can signify being cast down or disgraced, often as part of imagery relating to defeat or the aftermath of battle. The physical sense of trampling is metaphorically extended to describe profound humiliation or subjugation, such as that of a defeated ruler or nation. Other common Hebrew words such as דָּרַךְ (to tread) and שָׁחַח (to bow down, be humbled) have a broader usage and slightly different nuance. Later translation traditions sometimes render רָפַס with terms like 'prostrate' or 'submit,' but the core idea remains that of being trodden upon or brought low, especially in honor or status. Translational choices in English have sometimes softened or generalized its sense to mere submission, but the underlying imagery is more forceful, involving deliberate humiliation or violation of honor.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to trample, i.e. prostrate; humble self, submit self.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רפס (r-p-s) — to trample, tread underfoot, abase
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7511-02 |
מִתְרַפֵּ֥ס | miterapes | HVtrmsa |
cowering | self-abasing one | 1 |
H7511-01 |
הִ֝תְרַפֵּ֗ס | hiterapes | HVtv2ms |
humble yourself | trample yourself down | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7511-02 |
Psalms 68:31 | מִתְרַפֵּ֥ס | miterapes | HVtrmsa |
cowering | self-abasing one |
H7511-01 |
Proverbs 6:3 | הִ֝תְרַפֵּ֗ס | hiterapes | HVtv2ms |
humble yourself | trample yourself down |