צָפַן
To hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve ; figuratively to deny ; specifically (favorably) to protect , (unfavorably) to lurk
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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.
What does צָפַן (tsaphan) mean in the Bible?
צָפַן (tsaphan) is a Hebrew word meaning "to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve ; figuratively to deny ; specifically (favorably) to protect , (unfavorably) to lurk". to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk BDB: hide Usage: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). The term highlights wisdom's practice of preserving knowledge thoughtfully for proper use. This term runs through the canonical themes of Wisdom.
Meaning
Concealment with ambiguous moral valence: protective secrecy versus malicious lurking or hoarding.
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk BDB: hide Usage: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place).
Why This Word Matters
The term highlights wisdom's practice of preserving knowledge thoughtfully for proper use. Proverbs 10:14
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 17×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 3×
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 1×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Showing 8 of 34 occurrences in the biblical text.