What does זֶפֶת (zep̄eṯ) mean in the Bible?
זֶפֶת (zep̄eṯ): Material that liquefies under heat; used literally for waterproofing and figuratively for divine judgment's melting effect
Hebrew · H2203
זֶפֶת
Asphalt (from its tendency to soften in the sun)
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זֶפֶתH2203
Pronunciationzep̄eṯ
What does זֶפֶת (zep̄eṯ) mean in the Bible?
זֶפֶת (zep̄eṯ): Material that liquefies under heat; used literally for waterproofing and figuratively for divine judgment's melting effect
Full entry for זֶפֶת (H2203) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H2203?
The BSB source-word alignment has 3 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include and pitch (1), pitch (1), to tar (1).
Where does זֶפֶת (zep̄eṯ) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Exodus 2:3. Its strongest book concentrations include Isaiah (2), Exodus (1).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders Itand pitch1×Exodus 2:3
pitch1×Isaiah 34:9
to tar1×Isaiah 34:9
Show sample aligned rows
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowExodus 2:3
Aligned rows3
Books represented2
Exodus1Isaiah2
Source forms
וּבַזָּ֑פֶת1xū·ḇaz·zā·p̄eṯExodus 2:3
לְזֶ֔פֶת1xlə·ze·p̄eṯIsaiah 34:9
לְזֶ֖פֶת1xlə·ze·p̄eṯIsaiah 34:9
Parsing patterns
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular2xIsaiah 34:9
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular1xExodus 2:3
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. Material that liquefies under heat; used literally for waterproofing and figuratively for divine judgment's melting effect
Source Gloss
asphalt (from its tendency to soften in the sun)
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
Material that liquefies under heat; used literally for waterproofing and figuratively for divine judgment's melting effect
asphalt (from its tendency to soften in the sun) BDB: pitch Usage: pitch.
Selected Scripture Witness
Selected passage-level study witnesses for this word. This section is not the full occurrence list.
Old Testament Witnesses
Bitumen or tar-like substance.
Showing 1 selected witness from 3 lexical occurrence verses.
Why This Word Matters
Conveys the intensity and permanence of burning judgment.Isaiah 34:9-17