Original Word: גַּף
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: gaph
Pronunciation: gaf
Phonetic Spelling: (gaf)
KJV: + highest places, himself
NASB: alone, tops
Word Origin: [from an unused root meaning to arch]

1. the back
2. by extensive the body or self

highest places, himself

From an unused root meaning to arch; the back; by extensive the body or self -- + highest places, himself.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
body, self, height, elevation
NASB Translation
alone (3), tops (1).

[גַּף] noun masculine body, self, height, elevation (compare Late Hebrew גּוּף) — singular suffix גַּמּוֺ Exodus 21:3 (twice in verse); Exodus 21:4; plural construct גַּמֵּי Proverbs 9:3; —

1 body, self, only in phrase יָבאֹ (יֵצֵא) בְּגַמּוֺ) he shall come in (go out) by himself (with his body) Exodus 21:3 (twice in verse); Exodus 21:4; in law of slave (compare Di).

2 height, elevation עַלגַּֿמֵּי מְרֹמֵי קָ֑רֶת Proverbs 9:3.

Definition and Scope

The term גַּף (Strong’s Hebrew 1610) denotes the condition of being “by oneself,” “on one’s own,” or “unaccompanied.” In narrative and legal contexts it underscores an individual’s personal status, while in poetry it pictures a solitary or elevated position. Though only four times in the Old Testament, its settings span the Law (Exodus) and Wisdom Literature (Proverbs), offering complementary insights into covenant justice and moral invitation.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Exodus 21:3 – twice within the verse
2. Exodus 21:4
3. Proverbs 9:3

Context in the Mosaic Slave Laws (Exodus 21:3–4)

The word first appears in legislation governing Hebrew servitude. “If he came by himself, he shall go out by himself” (Exodus 21:3). The statute assures that a slave’s legal and relational state at the time of entry determines his status at release in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2). The repetition of גַּף in the verse accentuates personal identity and property rights: a man may not gain or lose a family through servitude unless those relationships already existed. Verse 4 applies the principle: “If his master gives him a wife … the man shall go free alone.”

Here גַּף safeguards two truths:
• Personal responsibility – each person is accountable for his own commitments (compare Ezekiel 18:20).
• Limitations on masterly power – even within an accepted institution, the Law curbs exploitation by defining clear boundaries around the servant’s original condition.

The provision prefigures broader biblical justice: God hears the cry of the oppressed (Exodus 22:23) and requires equity in human relationships.

Contrast in Wisdom Literature (Proverbs 9:3)

In Proverbs, גַּף shifts from legal solitary status to a spatial metaphor: “She has sent out her maidens; she calls out from the heights of the city” (Proverbs 9:3). The “heights” (gappei) signify conspicuous, elevated places—accessible vantage points where Wisdom’s summons rings out. Though physically lofty rather than socially solitary, the root idea of distinction persists: Wisdom’s voice is set apart, unobscured by competing clamor. The verse forms an antithesis to the clandestine appeal of Folly (Proverbs 9:13–18). Wisdom’s publicity stresses that God’s truth is neither hidden nor exclusive; it is openly proclaimed to all who will heed.

Theological Insights

1. Human dignity before God – Whether slave or free, every individual stands singly before the covenant Lord. גַּף reminds hearers that status before others never eclipses personal standing before God.
2. Freedom defined by covenant – Servitude laws anticipated redemption patterns fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18). Just as the slave who entered “alone” could depart “alone,” believers redeemed by Christ are liberated from former bonds while retaining personal identity.
3. Clarity of divine invitation – Wisdom’s cry from the “heights” illustrates the perspicuity of revelation. Scripture presents God’s way plainly; refusal stems from the sinner’s heart, not from obscurity in God’s word.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Discipleship – Encourage believers to evaluate commitments they bring into new seasons of life, just as the servant’s prior condition governed his future. Faithfulness in small beginnings is honored by God.
• Social ethics – The Exodus text challenges modern exploitative practices. Employers and ministries should respect boundaries and familial responsibilities of those under their care.
• Evangelism – Following Wisdom’s model, proclaim truth in visible, accessible venues. Bold, public testimony reflects confidence in the gospel’s power.

Christological Foreshadowing

Jesus embodies both facets of גַּף. He endured the cross “alone” (Isaiah 63:3 applied symbolically) bearing individual sin, yet He proclaimed wisdom publicly, teaching from hillsides and temple courts. His every act fulfills the Law’s justice and Wisdom’s call, uniting solitary atonement with open invitation: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Summary

Strong’s Hebrew 1610 portrays the individual standing—legally, morally, spiritually—before God and society. From servant regulations restraining oppression to Wisdom’s elevated appeal guiding the simple, גַּף weaves a thread of responsible freedom through Scripture. It calls believers to uphold justice, cherish personal integrity, and broadcast divine wisdom without reserve.

בְּגַפּ֣וֹ בְּגַפּ֥וֹ בְגַפּֽוֹ׃ בגפו בגפו׃ גַּ֝פֵּ֗י גפי bə·ḡap·pōw ḇə·ḡap·pōw begapPo bəḡappōw ḇəḡappōw gap·pê gappê gapPei vegapPoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts