The Hebrew noun hephek (הֶפֶךְ) means an overturning, a turning upside down, or a complete reversal. Derived from haphak (to turn, overturn), it conveys radical inversion — the total transformation or complete reversal of a situation.
The concept of divine overturning runs through Scripture as both judgment and redemption. God overthrew Sodom (Genesis 19:25). He turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). The cross is the ultimate hephek — what appeared as utter defeat became the greatest victory. God specializes in reversals: the last become first, the weak become strong (1 Corinthians 1:27–28).