The Hebrew verb khapher means to be ashamed, to be abashed, or to be put to confusion. Appearing about 17 times in the Old Testament, it describes the state of those whose hopes or plots are exposed and frustrated, leaving them in shame before God and others.
Khapher is used particularly in prophetic texts to describe the shame that will come upon Israel's enemies and upon those who trust in idols rather than the living God. Isaiah 1:29 warns that Israel will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks they chose. Psalm 35:4 prays that those who seek the psalmist's life will be brought to shame and confusion. Micah 3:7 describes false prophets covering their faces in shame when God does not answer them. Importantly, the Psalms and prophets reverse this for the righteous: those who trust in God will NOT be put to shame. Psalm 25:2–3 declares, 'No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.' This promise finds its ultimate expression in Romans 10:11: 'Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.'