סָפַר

From the study of Isaiah 52:15

Range of meaning

sāpar in this passive form: to be recounted, related, told as a story or report. šāmaʿ: to hear, receive news.

Against the English

'Told / heard' is accurate.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah 40–55 repeatedly contrasts what was 'told' and 'heard' beforehand (40:21; 48:6–8). Paul quotes this line in Rom 15:21, following the Greek, to explain why he preaches where Christ has not been named.

From the study of Isaiah 43:26

Range of meaning

From a root tied to counting and numbers (compare mispār, 'number', and sēpher, 'written record'). The intensive form means 'recount, tell in detail, declare, list item by item'. It is used for telling God's deeds (Ps 9:1) or giving an account of events (Gen 24:66).

Against the English

KJV 'declare thou' can sound like a bold announcement. In some modern usage it even suggests speaking a reality into being. The Hebrew is closer to 'give your account, list your points'. BSB, WEB and NASB 'state your case' capture the legal sense well.

How it drifted

Modern 'declare', as in 'declare and decree', carries a sense of performative proclamation that sippēr never has.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isa 43:21: Israel was formed to 'recount my praise' (tĕhillātî yĕsappērû), which is the same verb a few lines earlier. Ps 50:16 uses it for reciting God's statutes, and Ps 73:28 for declaring God's works.

From the study of Psalm 2:7

Range of meaning

In the simple form, to count or number. In the intensive form used here, to recount, tell in detail, rehearse, declare. It is used for telling of God's deeds in worship (Ps 9:1; 22:22; 78:4) and for reporting what happened.

Against the English

"Declare" (KJV), "proclaim" (BSB) and "tell of" (WEB) all work. "Recount" best keeps the sense of reciting exactly, one item after another.

Used elsewhere in the period

Often found in praise settings in the Psalter (Ps 19:1, "the heavens recount the glory of God"). The noun sēper ("document, scroll") comes from the same root.