Lexical Summary
alaph: To learn, to teach, to be accustomed
Original Word:עָלַף
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:`alaph
Pronunciation:ah-laf'
Phonetic Spelling:(aw-laf')
KJV: faint, overlaid, wrap self
NASB:became faint, faint, fainted, inlaid, wilted away, wrapped
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to veil or cover
2. (figuratively) to be languid
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
faint, overlaid, wrap self
A primitive root; to veil or cover; figuratively, to be languid -- faint, overlaid, wrap self.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitionto cover
NASB Translationbecame faint (1), faint (1), fainted (1), inlaid (1), wilted away (1), wrapped (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] (Late Hebrew
id., cover, faint; Arabic
smear, II.
cover,
sheath; Assyrian
elpitu,
pining,
exhaustion); —
Participle femininecovered, encrusted, constructSongs 5:14 his belly if ivoryencrusted with sapphires.Perfect3pluralIsaiah 51:20thy sons are enshrouded, enwrapped, i.e. their senses obscured =have swooned away; so alsoEzekiel 31:15, reading 3feminine singular for substantive (Köii. 1, 118), all the treeshave fainted for () him (so Hi Co and others).
enwrap oneself, Imperfect3feminine singularGenesis 38:14 (J); =swoon away, 3 masculine singularJonah 4:8; 3feminine pluralAmos 8:13.
Topical Lexicon
Root Concept and Twofold EmphasisThe verb עָלַף gathers around two complementary ideas: (1) an outward covering or overlaying, and (2) an inward collapse that results in fainting. Behind both senses lies a single picture: something once visible or strong becomes hidden or weakened, whether by an intentional veil or an overwhelming force.
Distribution in Scripture
Genesis 38:14; Song of Songs 5:14;Isaiah 51:20;Amos 8:13;Jonah 4:8.
Covering and Concealment
1.Genesis 38:14—Tamar “covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself” to confront Judah’s neglect of levirate duty. The covering serves a redemptive purpose, moving the line of promise forward despite human failure.
2. Song of Songs 5:14—The beloved’s hands are “rods of gold set with beryl,” an artistry that overlays precious metal with gems. Here the verb evokes the expert concealment of seams so that only beauty remains visible. Both texts show the positive aspect of covering: concealing in order to reveal a greater good—either covenant faithfulness or perfected beauty.
Fainting and Human Frailty
1.Isaiah 51:20—“Your sons have fainted; they lie at every street corner like an antelope in a net”. Jerusalem’s children collapse under divine wrath and exile.
2.Amos 8:13—“In that day the lovely young women, the young men as well, will faint for thirst”. Prosperity cannot shield the next generation from judgment when God’s word is rejected.
3.Jonah 4:8—“When the sun beat down on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint, he wanted to die”. Even a prophet collapses when divine compassion conflicts with personal prejudice.
The verb here underscores man’s utter dependence on the sustaining grace of God; once He removes protection, strength evaporates.
Historical and Cultural Setting
Veils were common symbols of modesty, mourning, or strategic disguise in patriarchal society. Gold inlay on jewelry and furniture showcased skillful craftsmanship in the royal courts of Israel. Conversely, fainting through heat, hunger, or grief was a real danger in the arid Near East, making the imagery immediately vivid to the original audience.
Theological Reflections
Covering anticipates the greater covering of sin provided by the atoning work of Christ (Isaiah 61:10;Romans 4:7). Fainting exposes the limits of human power, driving the reader to the everlasting strength promised in passages such asIsaiah 40:31. Together the two senses invite dependence on God: He must cover guilt and renew strength.
Ministry Applications
• Intercession and Advocacy: Like Tamar, the church can “cover” the vulnerable by standing in the gap when covenant responsibilities are ignored.
• Worship and Adornment: The inlaid artistry of Song of Songs encourages excellence in worship—skillfully overlaying our offerings with sincerity and beauty.
• Pastoral Care: Isaiah, Amos, and Jonah call shepherds of God’s people to watch for spiritual dehydration. Regular exposure to the word and the “living water” of the Spirit prevents fainting believers.
• Evangelism: Present-day “fainting” from moral and spiritual thirst offers an open door to proclaim the gospel that alone satisfies.
Homiletical Trajectories
• “From Veil to Victory”: God sometimes hides His purposes only to unveil greater redemption.
• “When the Strong Faint”: Even prophets collapse; grace alone revives.
• “The Overlay of Holiness”: The Spirit sets precious stones into lives otherwise ordinary, displaying Christ’s beauty to the world.
Summary
Whether describing a strategic veil or an exhausted collapse, עָלַף depicts moments when human visibility or vitality is reduced. The Scriptures use this single verb to reveal both God’s ability to conceal for good and His power to expose weakness, thereby inviting every generation to seek the covering righteousness and sustaining strength found in Him alone.
Forms and Transliterations
וַיִּתְעַלָּ֑ף וַתִּתְעַלָּ֔ף ויתעלף ותתעלף מְעֻלֶּ֖פֶת מעלפת עֻלְּפ֥וּ עלפו תִּ֠תְעַלַּפְנָה תתעלפנה ‘ul·lə·p̄ū ‘ulləp̄ū mə‘ullep̄eṯ mə·‘ul·le·p̄eṯ meulLefet tiṯ‘allap̄nāh tiṯ·‘al·lap̄·nāh Titallafnah ulleFu vaiyitalLaf vattitalLaf wat·tiṯ·‘al·lāp̄ wattiṯ‘allāp̄ way·yiṯ·‘al·lāp̄ wayyiṯ‘allāp̄
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