Original Word: שָׁפָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: shaphah
Pronunciation: shah-fah
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-faw')
Definition: To sweep, to scrape, to shave
Meaning: a cheese

cheese

From shaphah in the sense of clarifying; a cheese (as strained from the whey) -- cheese.

see HEBREW shaphah

Word Origin
from shaphah
Definition
perhaps cream
NASB Translation
cheese (1).

שְׁפוֺת (Kö^{ii. 1. 186}) noun feminine dubious, perhaps cream (as skimmed of ? compare Wetzst^{ZAW iii (1883), 276 f.}, who connects with Arabic cream, and this with √ take off the top (but שׁ = ?); EV cheese (after ᵑ6 ᵑ7, compare ARSK^{KB 3091})); — construct שְׁפוֺת בָּקָר 2 Samuel 17:29 cream of the herd ( + דְּבַשׁ וְחֶמְאָה וְצאֹן), compare Now Bu; ᵐ5. of Lucian HPS calves.

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to scrape or to shave.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word שָׁפָה (shafah) in the Strong's Greek lexicon, as the concept of cheese is not specifically addressed in the Greek New Testament. However, the general term for cheese in Greek is τυρός (tyros), which is not directly linked to a Strong's number in the context of biblical references.

Usage: The term שָׁפָה (shafah) is used in the context of food, specifically referring to cheese. It appears in the Hebrew Bible in a context that suggests the preparation or consumption of cheese.

Context: The Hebrew word שָׁפָה (shafah) is a noun that denotes cheese, a dairy product made from the curdled milk of cows, goats, or sheep. In ancient times, cheese was a staple food item, valued for its nutritional content and long shelf life. The process of making cheese involved curdling milk, draining the whey, and pressing the curds into a solid form. This method of preservation allowed cheese to be stored and consumed over extended periods, making it an essential part of the diet in the ancient Near East.

In the biblical context, cheese is mentioned in a few passages, highlighting its role in hospitality and sustenance. For example, in 2 Samuel 17:29, cheese is listed among the provisions brought to David and his people during their time of need: "honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd, for David and his people to eat. For they said, 'The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.'" (BSB). This passage underscores the importance of cheese as a nourishing food that provided sustenance and comfort.

The preparation and consumption of cheese in biblical times reflect the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites, who relied on livestock for milk and other dairy products. Cheese-making was a practical way to utilize surplus milk and ensure a steady food supply. The mention of cheese in the Bible also illustrates the cultural and social practices of hospitality, where offering food to guests was a sign of generosity and care.

וּשְׁפ֣וֹת ושפות ū·šə·p̄ō·wṯ ūšəp̄ōwṯ usheFotInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts