Skip to content
Pray for the Truth

Quranic root

سفك

s · f · k

The root centers on causing blood to flow or be poured out.

Its lexical range extends from shedding blood to pouring forth tears, water, and other fluids; derived forms also express flowing, mutual bloodshed, intensive agency, and figurative outpouring of speech.

  • Maqāyīs · row 2443
  • Mufradāt · row 698
  • Lane · entry 41378
1
Quran-attested forms
1
Quran senses
2
Quran occurrences

Forms in the Quran

The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.

سَفَكَ

safaka

Part of speech
Verb · Form I
Form
I
Quran occurrences
2 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.

  1. To shed blood; to cause blood to flow.

    In the Quranic occurrences, the verb is used with blood as its object, in the construction of shedding blood.

    • Lane · entry 41378
    • Mufradāt · row 698
    Selected Quran examples

    Quran 2:30word 16

    “and will shed”

    Quran 2:84word 5

    “will you shed”

Occurrences in the Quran

Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.

  • 2:30وَيَسْفِكُand will shed
  • 2:84تَسْفِكُونَwill you shed
View all 2 occurrences

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 13 Classical meanings

  • سَفَكَ

    To pour forth tears, water, molten material, or another fluid.

    A broader Classical Arabic application of the Form I verb to liquids other than the Quran-attested blood use.

    • Lane · entry 41378
    • Mufradāt · row 698

  • سَفَكَ

    To pour forth speech profusely.

    Used figuratively of abundant speech, especially when delivered hastily or quickly.

    • Lane · entry 41378

  • سَفَّكَهُ

    To feed a guest with something that satisfies hunger before the morning meal.

    A specialized Form II usage concerning preliminary food given to a guest.

    • Lane · entry 41379

  • تَسَافَكُوا

    To engage together in mutual shedding of blood.

    A reciprocal Form VI construction describing contending parties who shed one another’s blood.

    • Lane · entry 41380

  • اِنْسَفَكَ

    To be shed, poured forth, or to flow.

    Used of blood, tears, water, or another fluid as undergoing or exhibiting the flowing action.

    • Lane · entry 41381

  • سُفْكَةٌ

    A portion of food presented to a guest to satisfy hunger before the morning meal.

    A noun for the food portion itself.

    • Lane · entry 41382

  • سَفُوكٌ

    Prone to lying.

    A figurative application to the soul, presented as an assumed metaphorical usage.

    • Lane · entry 41383

  • سَفِيكٌ / مَسْفُوكٌ

    Shed, poured forth, or caused to flow.

    A passive descriptive use applied to blood, tears, water, or another fluid.

    • Lane · entry 41384

  • سَفَّاكٌ / سَفُوكٌ

    One who sheds blood or tears abundantly; a great shedder of blood.

    An intensive agent description, especially for a habitual or prolific shedder of blood.

    • Lane · entry 41385

  • سَفَّاكٌ

    Eloquent or an able speaker.

    A figurative Classical Arabic application to a person’s speaking ability.

    • Lane · entry 41385

  • سَفَّاكٌ

    Mendacious; a habitual or great liar.

    A figurative intensive description of persistent lying, including lying in speech.

    • Lane · entry 41385

  • سَافِكٌ

    Shedding or pouring forth blood, tears, or other fluids.

    An active-participial description of the one or thing performing the pouring action.

    • Lane · entry 41386

  • مِسْفَكٌ

    Loquacious or garrulous.

    A figurative descriptive use for excessive talkativeness.

    • Lane · entry 41387