sa.phar is used for giving an account of words, deeds, or events, and for counting persons, days, and other quantities.

The verb most often introduces the reporting or declaring of words, deeds, dreams, and experiences to others; it also marks the counting of people, days, years, houses, and other quantities, including things too abundant to be counted.

1. Giving an account or declaration · dominant

   In Exodus 18:8, the Piel sequential imperfect introduces Moses' account of what the LORD had done to Pharaoh and Egypt and of Israel's rescue. The same use reports events or words to an audience: in Genesis 24:66 the APB renders the servant's account to Isaac as "recounted to Isaac all the things that he had done," while in Exodus 24:3 Moses conveys all the words and judgments to the people.

   Exodus 18:8Genesis 24:66Exodus 24:32 Kings 8:4Esther 6:13Psalm 118:17
2. Counting or being counted · common

   In Deuteronomy 16:9, Qal forms direct the counting of seven weeks, and Leviticus 23:16 directs the counting of fifty days. The verb also concerns numerical totals or impossibility of enumeration: in 1 Chronicles 21:2 the APB renders the command "count Israel," whereas in Genesis 16:10 the seed "will not be counted because of abundance."

   Deuteronomy 16:9Leviticus 23:161 Chronicles 21:2Genesis 16:101 Kings 8:5Job 38:37

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously presents the verb with "recounted," "told," "declare," and "proclaim" in reporting contexts, and with "count," "number," or "registered" in numerical contexts. These renderings show the clauses' presentation rather than a fixed English equivalent.