Quranic root
صحف
ṣ · ḥ · f
The root denotes extension, flatness, and breadth: something spread out or broad in form.
From the idea of an extended surface developed the senses of ground or facial surface, a sheet used for writing, a broad bowl, and related written collections. The Quranic plural صُحُف refers either to written pages or to revealed scriptures presented in written form.
- Maqāyīs · row 2757
- Mufradāt · row 816
- 2
- Quran-attested forms
- 3
- Quran senses
- 9
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
صَحْفَة
ṣaḥfah
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
A broad, shallow bowl or serving dish.
The Quranic form is the plural صِحَاف, referring to broad vessels used for serving.
- Lane · entry 25429
Selected Quran examples
Quran 43:71word 3
“plates”
صَحِيفَة
ṣaḥīfah
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 8 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
A written sheet, page, or leaf.
Used in the plural صُحُف for physically written pages or sheets; the context may emphasize their material form.
- Lane · entry 25433
- Mufradāt · row 816
Selected Quran examples
Quran 80:13word 2
“sheets”
A revealed scripture or collection of sacred writings.
Used for scriptures associated with prophets, including the revealed writings of Abraham and Moses. The expression can refer to revelation as a written collection rather than merely to individual physical leaves.
- Lane · entry 25433
- Mufradāt · row 816
Selected Quran examples
Quran 87:18word 4
“the Scriptures”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 20:133ٱلصُّحُفِthe Scriptures
- 43:71بِصِحَافٍۢplates
- 53:36صُحُفِ(the) Scriptures
- 74:52صُحُفًۭاpages
- 80:13صُحُفٍۢsheets
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 15 Classical meanings
تَصْحِيف
An error made in reading or transmitting a written text because of ambiguity in its letters; also alteration of wording, vocalization, or diacritical points so that the intended meaning changes or becomes doubtful.
A postclassical technical usage associated with mistakes in a صحيفة or in the reading and transmission of written language.
- Lane · entry 25426
أُصْحِفَ
To have written sheets collected in it or placed in it between two boards.
A passive construction describing the formation of a board-bound collection of written sheets.
- Lane · entry 25427
تَصَحَّفَ
To become altered in wording so as to convey a meaning different from what was intended, or to become doubtful to the reader.
Said of a word or expression that has undergone textual corruption or has become ambiguous.
- Lane · entry 25428
صَحَفِيّ
A person who makes mistakes in reading or writing a written text.
The meaning concerns faulty engagement with a صحيفة, especially through misreading its letters.
- Lane · entry 25430
صَحَفِيّ
A learner who acquires knowledge from written sources rather than directly from teachers.
This designation places such a learner below those instructed by established scholars or teachers.
- Lane · entry 25430
صِحَاف
Small places or depressions where water collects and remains.
A separate Classical plural usage; the corresponding singular is صَحْف or a related form, and the plural is also given as صُحُف.
- Lane · entry 25431
صَحِيف
The surface of the ground or earth.
A figurative extension based on resemblance to a flat writing surface.
- Lane · entry 25432
صَحِيفَة
A written work or document; by extension, a book, volume, epistle, booklet, or register.
A broader Classical use of the singular, extending from the written sheet to the written work or record itself.
- Lane · entry 25433
صَحِيفَة
A record of a person's deeds kept in heaven.
A figurative or theological use referring to an individual's heavenly record.
- Lane · entry 25433
صَحِيفَة
A plank, board, or leaf forming part of a door.
A specialized use referring to a flat structural piece.
- Lane · entry 25433
صَحِيفَة
The outer skin or surface of the face.
A figurative anatomical use, especially the part of the face that fronts the observer.
- Lane · entry 25433
صَحِيفَة
A layer or sheet of fat.
A figurative use for a flat layer or stratum of fat.
- Lane · entry 25433
صَحَّاف
A seller of books or written volumes; also a maker or binder of them.
An occupational designation derived from صُحُف or written books.
- Lane · entry 25435
مُصْحَف
A codex consisting of written sheets collected and placed between two boards.
The term is commonly applied to a bound copy of the Qur'an, while retaining the broader sense of a bound collection of written sheets.
- Lane · entry 25437
مُصْحَف
A section or booklet forming part of a larger book.
A secondary Classical use, distinct from the primary sense of a complete collection of sheets between boards.
- Lane · entry 25437
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The Quranic forms صِحَاف and صُحُف are distinct plural lexemes: the former belongs to صَحْفَة, a broad bowl, while the latter belongs to صَحِيفَة, a written sheet or scripture. صُحُف also has a separate Classical water-collecting-place usage, kept apart from the Quranic meanings.