Original Word: עֻלְפֶה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: `ulpeh
Pronunciation: ool-peh'
Phonetic Spelling: (ool-peh')
KJV: fainted
Word Origin: [from H5968 (עָלַף - became faint)]

1. an envelope, i.e. (figuratively) mourning

fainted

From alaph; an envelope, i.e. (figuratively) mourning -- fainted.

see HEBREW alaph

Word Origin
the same as alaph, q.v.

עֻלְמֶּה Ezekiel 31:15 see foregoing.

Scriptural Occurrence

The Hebrew word עֻלְפֶה appears only once, in Ezekiel 31:15, within the lament over the great cedar that symbolises Assyria and foreshadows the coming judgment on Egypt. Berean Standard Bible: “I held back its rivers, and its abundant waters were restrained.” The verb pictures the waters of the deep losing their force—becoming faint, stilled, or restrained—at the LORD’s command.

Historical and Prophetic Context

Ezekiel 31 forms part of a series of oracles (chapters 29–32) directed against Egypt while also reflecting on Assyria’s earlier downfall. In the Ancient Near Eastern world, mighty trees such as cedars typified imperial power. When the Assyrian “cedar” crashes into Sheol, the LORD proclaims cosmic mourning: the deep is veiled, rivers are checked, Lebanon dresses in black, and every tree trembles. The single use of עֻלְפֶה contributes to this scene by highlighting how even the subterranean waters obey God’s decree of grief and judgment. The sign-act warns Pharaoh that the same sovereign hand that subdued Assyria will soon humble Egypt.

Imagery of Depth and Descent

Throughout Scripture, the deep (תְּהוֹם) and its waters often symbolise chaos (Genesis 1:2), judgment (Genesis 7:11), or untamed power (Job 38:8-11). By describing the waters as “restrained,” Ezekiel underscores God’s unchallenged mastery over creation; He turns roaring torrents into listless pools to mark the humiliation of earthly pride. This vivid moment recalls how the Red Sea stood “like a wall” (Exodus 14:21-22) and anticipates the future when “there will be no more sea” (Revelation 21:1), signalling the final removal of chaos under Christ’s reign.

Relationship to Divine Judgment and Mercy

The restraint of the waters is both punitive and preservative. It punishes the arrogant nation by removing the life-giving source that once nourished its greatness (Ezekiel 31:4). Simultaneously, it prevents total annihilation of creation; the LORD contains judgment lest the flood overwhelm everything (Nahum 1:4-8). Thus עֻלְפֶה becomes a word of measured wrath, revealing the Creator who “does not afflict willingly” (Lamentations 3:33) but always tempers justice with covenant mercy.

Parallels in Biblical Tree Imagery

1. Towering Pride Cut Down: Babel (Genesis 11:5-9); Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 4:10-17).
2. Righteous Flourishing: “He shall be like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3).
3. Messianic Hope: The shoot from Jesse’s stump (Isaiah 11:1); the true Vine (John 15:1-8).

The downfall of Assyria/Egypt contrasts with the enduring kingdom of God, encouraging the faithful to trust in the “Root and Offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16).

Echoes in Later Biblical Revelation

Jesus Christ demonstrates the same authority dramatized by עֻלְפֶה when He silences Galilee’s storm: “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39). The disciples marvel that “even the wind and the sea obey Him.” The prophetic picture in Ezekiel thus anticipates the incarnate Son who restrains both natural and spiritual forces (Colossians 2:15). In the Apocalypse, the angel restrains the four winds (Revelation 7:1), again confirming that every element remains subject to the divine will.

Ministry and Pastoral Application

• Warning Against Pride: National, congregational, or personal exaltation invites God’s humbling hand (Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:6).
• Assurance of Sovereignty: When chaotic “waters” threaten, believers rest in the Lord who can at any moment command, “Be restrained.”
• Lament as Worship: Ezekiel models godly lament over sin and judgment; churches may incorporate corporate confession that acknowledges both justice and mercy (Psalm 130).
• Hope Beyond Judgment: Just as God limited the flood in Ezekiel’s vision, He limits our trials so that they produce perseverance rather than destruction (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Homiletical Suggestions

1. Sermon Theme: “When Waters Grow Faint—God’s Rule over Chaos.” Trace the motif from Creation, through the Flood, the Exodus, Ezekiel 31, Calming the Sea, and Revelation.
2. Bible Study: Compare the cedar of Assyria with the lowly Branch of Messiah; contrast pride’s collapse with humility’s exaltation.
3. Pastoral Counseling: Use Ezekiel 31:15 to reassure those facing overwhelming circumstances that the Lord can still the sources of turmoil in His perfect timing.

By its single appearance, עֻלְפֶה quietly yet powerfully affirms that every domain—earth, sea, and unseen deep—remains under the command of the covenant God whose judgments are righteous and whose mercies never fail.

עֻלְפֶּֽה׃ עלפה׃ ‘ul·peh ‘ulpeh ulPehInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts