Strong's Lexicon rachaph: To hover, to brood, to flutter Original Word: רָחַף Word Origin: A primitive root Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent in the Septuagint for "rachaph," the concept of divine hovering or overshadowing can be seen in the New Testament with the Greek word "ἐπισκιάζω" (episkiazō), Strong's Greek 1982, used in Luke 1:35 to describe the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary. Usage: The Hebrew verb "rachaph" primarily conveys the action of hovering or brooding, often with a sense of gentle movement or protective oversight. It is used to describe a motion that is tender and nurturing, akin to a bird hovering over its young. This word is employed in contexts that suggest care, protection, and the impartation of life or energy. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the imagery of a bird hovering or brooding over its nest was a powerful symbol of care and protection. This metaphor was often used to describe divine activity, suggesting a deity's nurturing and life-giving presence. The concept of "rachaph" aligns with this cultural understanding, portraying God's Spirit as actively involved in creation and sustenance. Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [רָחַף] verb grow soft, relax (compare Arabic  be soft); — Qal Perfect3plural רָֽחֲפוּ Jeremiah 23:9 (bones of one appalled). II. רָחַף verb Pi`el hover (Late Hebrew id., compare GrünbaumZMG xxxix (1885), 607; Syriac Pa`el Pi`el Imperfect3masculine singular יְרַחֵף עַל Deuteronomy 32:11 (poem) of vulture hovering over young; Participle מְרַחֶפֶת עַלמְּֿנֵי הַמָּ֑יִם ׳רוּחַ א Genesis 1:2 (P); hovering over face of waters, or perhaps (see Syriac) brooding (and fertilizing), so JerQuaest. in Gen. ed. Lag. 4 (reading 'marahaefeth), compare Di Gunk. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flutter, move, shake A primitive root; to brood; by implication, to be relaxed -- flutter, move, shake. Forms and Transliterations יְרַחֵ֑ף ירחף מְרַחֶ֖פֶת מרחפת רָֽחֲפוּ֙ רחפו mə·ra·ḥe·p̄eṯ meraChefet məraḥep̄eṯ rā·ḥă·p̄ū rachaFu rāḥăp̄ū yə·ra·ḥêp̄ yeraChef yəraḥêp̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 1:2 HEB: וְר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים מְרַחֶ֖פֶת עַל־ פְּנֵ֥י NAS: of God was moving over KJV: of God moved upon INT: and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface Deuteronomy 32:11 Jeremiah 23:9 3 Occurrences |
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move Gently, also cherish, and brood, compare Thess. see; connection with I. ׳ר dubious); — 
