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H8193 · Hebrew · Old Testament
שָׂפָה
saphah
Noun, feminine
lip, language, speech, edge, shore

Definition

The lip as the organ of speech and also as edge/border (seashore, edge of a garment). Speech is the central meaning. 'Pure lips' signify righteous speech; the Tower of Babel divided the one saphah (language).

Usage & Theological Significance

The lips represent the whole communicative self. Isaiah's vision (Isa 6:5-7) is resolved by a coal touching his unclean lips — speech purified for prophetic mission. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts righteous and wicked lips.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 11:1 The whole earth had one language [saphah] and the same words.
Isaiah 6:5 Woe is me! For I am a man of unclean lips [saphah].
Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips [saphah] from speaking deceit.

Word Study

Genesis 11:1 (one language/saphah) and Acts 2 (Pentecost reversing Babel) form a bracket. The Spirit gives the church a new unity of speech — proclaiming God's mighty works in every tongue.

Related Words

External Resources

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