Biblica Analytica

סָלַף

sa.laph (H5557)

to pervert

7 verses 4 books OT 7 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# Analysis of סָלַף (salaph) The Hebrew word סָלַף carries the meaning "to pervert," denoting a deliberate distortion or corruption of something. With seven occurrences across the biblical text, this verb appears with sufficient frequency to establish its semantic role in Hebrew discourse, though it remains a relatively specialized term rather than a common vocabulary item. The definition suggests this word operates in contexts where something legitimate or correct is intentionally twisted or corrupted. Unlike neutral terms for "change" or "alter," the inclusion of "pervert" indicates moral or functional degradation—the act involves not merely transformation but corruption toward something wrong or harmful. This semantic weight would make the word particularly suitable for describing violations of law, truth, or proper order. The limited occurrence count (seven instances) indicates that סָלַף served a focused communicative function in biblical Hebrew rather than serving as the primary or everyday word for describing distortion or corruption. Understanding its precise applications would require examining the specific contexts where it appears, as its usage pattern likely reveals whether it was preferred for particular types of perversion or specific domains such as legal, moral, or linguistic corruption.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Exodus 23:8

“You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.

Deuteronomy 16:19

You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous.

Job 12:19

He leads priests away stripped, and overthrows the mighty.

Proverbs 13:6

Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

Proverbs 19:3

The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.

Proverbs 21:12

The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.

Proverbs 22:12

Yahweh’s eyes watch over knowledge; but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.