Original Word: יָעֵף
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: ya`ph
Pronunciation: yah-afe
Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-afe';)
KJV: faint, weary
NASB: weary, weary one, whoever is faint
Word Origin: [from H3286 (יָעַף - become weary)]

1. fatigued
2. (figuratively) exhausted

faint, weary

From ya'aph; fatigued; figuratively, exhausted -- faint, weary.

see HEBREW ya'aph

Word Origin
from yaeph
Definition
weary, faint
NASB Translation
weary (2), weary one (1), whoever is faint (1).

יָעֵף adjective weary, faint; — always as substantive, except Judges 8:15 אנשׁיך הַיְּפֵעִים (of physical fatigue from lack of bread); הַיָּעֵף 2 Samuel 16:2 (from lack of drink); of mind and spirit Isaiah 40:29 ("" אֵין אוֺנִין), Isaiah 50:4.

Meaning and Conceptual Range

יָעֵף (yaʿêph) portrays human exhaustion that results from harsh conditions, pressing duty, or prolonged strain. While its primary sense is physical weariness, the contexts in which it appears broaden the idea to encompass emotional and spiritual depletion. The term therefore provides a ready metaphor for the frailty of human strength and the sufficiency of divine aid.

Occurrences and Literary Settings

• 2 Samuel 16:2—During David’s flight from Absalom, weary fugitives in the wilderness receive provisions: “The wine is for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.” The verse highlights compassion toward exhausted followers and anticipates God’s own provision for the weary.
• Isaiah 40:29—Within a sweeping vision of God’s incomparable greatness, Israel hears the promise: “He gives power to the faint, and increases the strength of the weak.” The word stands at the pivot of the chapter, contrasting human frailty with the Creator’s endless vigor.
• Isaiah 50:4—The Servant confesses, “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I should know how to sustain the weary with a word.” Here the weary become the focus of messianic ministry, moving the theme from physical relief to soul-renewal through revelation.

Historical Context

In 2 Samuel, David’s loyal retinue suffers literal fatigue while traversing the rugged terrain east of Jerusalem. Their exhaustion underscores the cost of covenant loyalty during a time of political upheaval.

Isaiah 40 speaks to a nation beset by exile and disillusionment. The weariness is cultural and spiritual; Judah’s strength has evaporated under foreign domination, and only the everlasting God can revive her.

Isaiah 50 belongs to the Servant Songs, set against the backdrop of suffering yet hopeful restoration. The Servant’s task involves addressing a community oppressed by sin, failure, and discouragement.

Theological and Spiritual Implications

1. Human limitation: יָעֵף reminds readers that fatigue is a universal human experience resulting from life in a fallen world (cf. Genesis 3:19).
2. Divine empowerment: God does not merely acknowledge weariness; He actively reverses it (Isaiah 40:29). His strength is not a supplement to our own but a complete supply.
3. Messianic compassion: The Servant’s ministry of sustaining speech (Isaiah 50:4) anticipates the gospel invitation of Jesus Christ: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
4. Ministry pattern: The juxtaposition of physical aid (2 Samuel 16:2) and spoken comfort (Isaiah 50:4) forms a twofold model for pastoral care—meeting tangible needs and offering God’s life-giving word.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Provide tangible relief: Following the example of David’s supporters, believers should supply practical assistance—food, rest, safe space—to those drained by crisis.
• Speak restorative truth: Churches and Christian workers wield the same “tongue of disciples” when they deliver Scripture’s promises to discouraged hearts.
• Depend on divine strength: Isaiah 40:29–31 calls God’s people to exchange self-reliance for trust in His inexhaustible power, fueling persevering service.
• Encourage Sabbath rhythms: Recognizing legitimate weariness legitimizes rhythms of rest and worship that point to ultimate rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Intertextual Connections

The motif of God strengthening the weary threads through Scripture: Judges 8:4; Psalm 23:3; Psalm 68:9-10; Jeremiah 31:25; Galatians 6:9; Revelation 2:3. These texts reinforce the consistent divine posture toward those who faint under life’s weight.

Summary Insight

יָעֵף captures the vulnerable state of humanity, yet each occurrence turns attention away from human insufficiency toward God’s inexhaustible sufficiency. Whether through timely provisions in the wilderness, the Creator’s empowering word to exiles, or the Servant’s gracious speech, Scripture steadily portrays the Lord as the unfailing source of strength for the weary.

הַיָּעֵ֖ף היעף יָעֵ֖ף יעף לַיָּעֵ֖ף ליעף haiyaEf hay·yā·‘êp̄ hayyā‘êp̄ laiyaEf lay·yā·‘êp̄ layyā‘êp̄ yā‘êp̄ yā·‘êp̄ yaEfInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts