Original Word: נוֹף
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: nowph
Pronunciation: nofe
Phonetic Spelling: (nofe)
KJV: situation
NASB: elevation
Word Origin: [from H5130 (נוּף - wave)]

1. elevation

situation

From nuwph; elevation -- situation. Compare Noph.

see HEBREW nuwph

see HEBREW Noph

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
elevation, height
NASB Translation
elevation (1).

נוֺף noun [masculine] elevation, height (Late Hebrew נוֺף is tree-top, bough, so ᵑ7 נוֺפָא); — ׳יְפֵה נ Psalm 48:3 beautiful in elevation (of Mount Zion).

Definition and Imagery

The noun נוֹף portrays a lofty, picturesque prominence—a summit that inspires delight when beheld. Its single scriptural appearance combines the ideas of beauty, height, and an outlook that captivates every observer.

Biblical Occurrence

Psalm 48:2: “Beautiful in elevation, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion—on the northern slopes—the city of the Great King”. Here נוֹף depicts Mount Zion’s physical and spiritual grandeur, inviting worshipers to lift their eyes and hearts toward the presence of God.

Historical Background of Mount Zion’s Elevation

Ancient Jerusalem rose conspicuously above the surrounding valleys. Its “elevation” not only offered military advantage but proclaimed divine protection (Psalm 125:2). Pilgrims ascending its slopes for the great feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16; Psalm 122:4) experienced the literal and figurative lifting implied by נוֹף. Archaeological study confirms that the Temple Mount area sat approximately 740 meters above sea level, dominating the Ridge Route and the approach from Jericho. This topography reinforced the psalmist’s metaphor: God’s dwelling is exalted above every earthly power.

Theological Significance

1. Revelation of Divine Majesty: Zion’s elevation signals the transcendence of the LORD who “sits enthroned above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22).
2. Universal Joy: The phrase “the joy of all the earth” anticipates the gathering of the nations to worship the God of Israel (Isaiah 2:2–3; Zechariah 14:16).
3. Security and Refuge: Because the city rests on an elevated stronghold, the faithful confess, “God is within her; she will not be moved” (Psalm 46:5).

Intertextual Echoes

Although נוֹף itself appears only once, the concept of Zion’s beauty and height resonates through Scripture:
• “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth” (Psalm 50:2).
• “Arise, shine, for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1) links Zion’s radiance with global salvation.
• Hebrews 12:22 presents “Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,” revealing the earthly mountain as a shadow of the eternal reality.

Prophetic and Eschatological Connections

Micah 4:1 and Isaiah 2:2 prophesy that in the last days “the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as chief among the mountains.” The term נוֹף prepares this vision: what is already “beautiful in elevation” will become the unrivaled focal point of redeemed creation. Revelation 21:10–11 culminates the theme with the New Jerusalem descending “having the glory of God,” displaying everlasting beauty and elevation.

Christological Considerations

Jesus, crucified “outside the gate” yet raised and exalted, fulfills Zion’s symbolism. His resurrection proclaims the ultimate ascent (Acts 2:33). Believers are now “seated with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6), sharing the beauty and height hinted at by נוֹף.

Application for Worship and Ministry

• Call to Praise: Worship leaders can invoke Psalm 48:2 to lift congregational focus from earthly concerns to the majesty of God’s dwelling.
• Missions Perspective: The “joy of all the earth” motivates proclamation of the gospel to every nation, aiming for the day when peoples stream to the exalted mountain.
• Pastoral Encouragement: As Jerusalem’s elevation signified stability, so believers find security in the exalted Christ amid life’s uncertainties (Colossians 3:1–4).

Practical Lessons

1. Perspective shapes praise—looking up inspires adoration.
2. True beauty is rooted in God’s presence, not human achievement.
3. God intends His glory in Zion to bless the whole earth, urging global evangelism.

Thus נוֹף, though rare, encapsulates a rich panorama of biblical theology: the splendor of God’s dwelling, the security of His people, and the promise of worldwide rejoicing in the heights of His salvation.

נוֹף֮ נוף nō·wp̄ nOf nōwp̄Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts