Original Word: יָפַח
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: yaphach
Pronunciation: yah-fakh
Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-fakh')
Definition: To breathe, blow, puff
Meaning: to breathe hard, to sigh

bewail self

A primitive root; properly, to breathe hard, i.e. (by implication) to sigh -- bewail self.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to breathe, puff
NASB Translation
gasping for breath (1).

[יָפַח] verb breathe, puff (by-form of מּוּחַ, q. v.; see Ba^{NB 189}; compare Talmud יפח breath) — only

Hithpa`el Imperfect3feminine singular תִּתְיַמֵּחַ Jeremiah 4:31 she gaspeth for breath.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry in the Strong's Concordance is G1590 (ἐκπνέω, ekpneō), which means to breathe out or expire. While not a direct equivalent in terms of emotional expression, it shares the fundamental concept of breath and its connection to life and emotion.

Usage: The verb יָפַח (yafach) is used in the context of expressing a deep breath or sigh, often conveying a sense of weariness, relief, or emotional expression.

Context: The Hebrew verb יָפַח (yafach) appears in the Old Testament to describe the act of breathing heavily or sighing. This action is often associated with emotional states such as distress, longing, or relief. The term captures a physical manifestation of inner feelings, providing a vivid depiction of human experience in the biblical narrative.

In the context of the Hebrew Bible, sighing is a natural human response to various situations, reflecting the burdens or desires of the heart. The act of sighing can be seen as a form of non-verbal communication with God, expressing what words may fail to convey. This verb is relatively rare in the biblical text, highlighting its specific and poignant use when it does appear.

The concept of sighing is also found in other ancient Near Eastern literature, where it similarly conveys deep emotional states. In the biblical context, sighing can be seen as an acknowledgment of human frailty and dependence on divine intervention or comfort.

תִּתְיַפֵּ֖חַ תתיפח tiṯ·yap·pê·aḥ tityapPeach tiṯyappêaḥInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts