Original Word: רָחַף
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: rachaph
Pronunciation: rah-khaf'
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-khaf')
Definition: to brood, to be relaxed
Meaning: To brood, to be relaxed

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • There is no direct Greek equivalent in the Strong's Concordance that matches the specific nuances of רָחַף (rachaf). However, Greek words that convey similar ideas of hovering or brooding in a protective sense might include those related to nurturing or caring actions, though they are not directly listed in Strong's Greek entries.

Usage: The verb רָחַף (rachaf) is used in the Hebrew Bible to convey the idea of hovering or brooding, often with a sense of gentle movement or relaxation. It is used in contexts that describe a protective or nurturing action, akin to a bird hovering over its young.

Context: The Hebrew verb רָחַף (rachaf) appears in the Old Testament with a nuanced meaning that combines the ideas of hovering, brooding, and being relaxed. It is notably used in Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit of God is described as "hovering over the surface of the waters." This imagery suggests a nurturing and protective presence, akin to a bird brooding over its nest. The verb also appears in Deuteronomy 32:11, where it describes an eagle stirring up its nest and hovering over its young, again emphasizing a protective and caring action. The use of רָחַף in these contexts highlights the gentle and attentive nature of the action, often associated with divine care and oversight.

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 Grünbaum<sup>ZMG xxxix (1885), 607</sup>; Syriac Pa`el move Gently, also cherish, and brood, compare Thes^s. see; connection with I. ׳ר dubious); —

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 Jer^{Quaest. in Gen. ed. Lag. 4} (reading 'marahaefeth), compare Di Gunk.

flutter, move, shake

A primitive root; to brood; by implication, to be relaxed -- flutter, move, shake.

יְרַחֵ֑ף ירחף מְרַחֶ֖פֶת מרחפת רָֽחֲפוּ֙ רחפו mə·ra·ḥe·p̄eṯ meraChefet məraḥep̄eṯ rā·ḥă·p̄ū rachaFu rāḥăp̄ū yə·ra·ḥêp̄ yeraChef yəraḥêp̄Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts