Hebrew · H6822, G4649 · unreviewed

צֹפֶה

Properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe , await · goal

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

Words in this compound — expand to study each participant

צָפָה H6822 properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe , await
Pronunciation ṣāphāh
Observing with anticipatory posture: leaning forward to peer into distance, connoting vigilant expectation.
Open lexicon entry →
σκοπός G4649 goal
Pronunciation skopós
The mark or target one deliberately fixes their gaze upon to pursue toward completion.
Open lexicon entry →

What does צֹפֶה (tsofeh) mean in the Bible?

צָפָה · σκοπός is a Hebrew word meaning "one who observes and warns of approaching danger".

Full entry for צֹפֶה (H6822, G4649) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

one who observes and warns of approaching danger
Grammatical Forms

How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.

Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 11×
Participle active Ezek 3:17 · Ezek 33:7 · Hos 9:8 · Jer 6:17 · Prov 15:3 · Prov 31:27 · Ps 37:32 · Song 7:5
Jussive Gen 31:49
Perfect Isa 56:10
Imperfect Ps 66:7
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action
Participle active 1Sam 4:13
Perfect Lam 4:17
Imperfect Mic 7:7
Sequential imperfect Nah 2:2
Hebrew Verb Forms

How this verb appears across 15 occurrences in the Hebrew OT (OSHB Leningrad Codex).

Aspect / Form
Participle 9 Imperfect 3 Perfect 2 Imperative 1
Stem
Qal 11 Piel 4
Mood
Indicative 2 Jussive 1 Indicative/cohortative 1 Imperative 1 Indicative/jussive 1

Aspect in Hebrew reflects grammatical form, not tense. "Perfect" (Perfective) typically denotes completed action; "Imperfect" (Imperfective) denotes incomplete or ongoing action. Stem modifies the action type (Qal=simple, Niphal=passive, Piel=intensive, etc.).

Morphology: OSHB WLC (Open Scriptures, CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible TEHMC (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0)

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources