Original Word: טָפַשׁ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: taphash
Pronunciation: tah-fash'
Phonetic Spelling: (taw-fash')
Definition: To be thick, to be stupid, to be dull
Meaning: to be thick, to be stupid

be fat

A primitive root; properly, apparently to be thick; figuratively, to be stupid -- be fat.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be gross
NASB Translation
covered (1).

טָפַשׁ verb be gross (Late Hebrew Hithpa`el grow stupid, and derivatives; Aramaic טְפֵשׁ, for Hebrew שׁמן Isaiah 6:11, Ithpe`el be stupid; compare Assyrian ‰apâšu, be abundant, large, Guy^{JAS 1883, Août-Sept. 189}) — metaphor טָפַשׁ כַּחֵלֶב לִבָּ֑ם Psalm 119:70 their heart is gross, like fat.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 3474: μωρός (moros) • meaning foolish or dull, often used in the New Testament to describe a lack of wisdom or understanding, similar to the Hebrew concept of טָפַשׁ.
• Strong's Greek Number 453: ἀνόητος (anoetos) • meaning unintelligent or foolish, used in contexts where a lack of understanding or insight is highlighted.

The Hebrew concept of טָפַשׁ, while not extensively used, provides a vivid illustration of the biblical perspective on wisdom and folly, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and the dangers of ignoring divine instruction.

Usage: The term טָפַשׁ is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a state of being thick or dull, often metaphorically referring to a lack of understanding or stupidity.

Context: The Hebrew root טָפַשׁ (taphash) is a verb that conveys the idea of being thick or dense, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. In the context of the Hebrew Scriptures, it is often used to describe a lack of mental acuity or spiritual insight. This term is not frequently encountered in the biblical text, but when it appears, it typically characterizes individuals or groups who are perceived as lacking wisdom or discernment. The metaphorical use of "thick" to denote stupidity is consistent with other Semitic languages, where physical properties are often used to describe mental or moral states. The concept of being "thick" or "stupid" in the biblical context is not merely an intellectual deficiency but often carries moral and spiritual implications, suggesting a willful ignorance or rejection of divine wisdom.

טָפַ֣שׁ טפש ṭā·p̄aš taFash ṭāp̄ašInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts