Quranic root
طفق
ṭ · f · q
The root centers on taking up or entering into an action, especially in the construction طَفِقَ يَفْعَلُ كَذَا, “he began doing such-and-such.”
The core usage is “begin or set about doing,” with continuation possible in context but not lexically required. Classical extensions include remaining attached to a place and attaining a desired object, alongside a causative Form IV usage meaning to cause attainment.
- Maqāyīs · row 3040
- Lane · entry 11451
- Lane · entry 11452
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 3
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
طَفِقَ
ṭafiqa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form I
- Form
- I
- Quran occurrences
- 3 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.
To begin, set about, or take to doing something.
Used affirmatively, not with ما. It is ordinarily followed by a non-past verb or verbal predicate; Quranic usage may also present the action as a verbal noun. Continuation may be intended by context but is not required by the verb itself.
- Lane · entry 11451
- Mufradāt · row 901
Selected Quran examples
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
View all 3 occurrencesBroader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 3 Classical meanings
طَفِقَ
To attain what one desired.
Attested in the construction طَفِقَ فُلَانٌ بِمَا أَرَادَ.
- Lane · entry 11451
طَفِقَ
To keep to or cling to a place.
Used with a place in the expression طَفِقَ المَوْضِعَ.
- Lane · entry 11451
أَطْفَقَهُ
To cause someone or something to attain or reach another person or thing.
Form IV, including the construction أَطْفَقَهُ اللهُ بِهِ, “God caused him or it to attain him or it.”
- Lane · entry 11452
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
In Quran 38:33, the action introduced by طَفِقَ is interpreted variously as cutting with a sword or wiping/stroking; the verb itself retains the sense of taking up or beginning that action.