sha.qaph describes looking outward or downward from a vantage point, and sometimes something coming into view.

The attested uses most often describe directed observation from a window, height, heaven, or another vantage point. A smaller group describes terrain overlooking a region, while a few passive clauses portray distress or a figure as becoming visible.

1. Observe from a vantage point · dominant

   The term marks looking toward or down upon a person, place, or scene: in Exodus 14:24 the APB renders the LORD as having "looked down" on the Egyptian camp, and in Genesis 19:28 it renders a man looking down upon Sodom and Gomorrah before seeing smoke. Window scenes show the same directed observation in 2 Samuel 6:16 and 2 Kings 9:30, where the APB renders Michal and Jezebel as looking from or through a window.

   Exodus 14:24Genesis 19:282 Samuel 6:162 Kings 9:30Genesis 26:8Psalm 14:2
2. Overlook a region or landscape · occasional

   Niphal participles describe a border, summit, or elevated location in relation to the land below it. In 1 Samuel 13:18 the APB renders a border that "overlooks the valley of Zeboim," while Numbers 21:20 and Numbers 23:28 describe locations overlooking the face of the Jeshimon.

   1 Samuel 13:18Numbers 21:20Numbers 23:28
3. Come into view · rare

   In passive clauses, the term can portray something as visible or emerging in sight. In Jeremiah 6:1 the APB renders distress as having "appeared from the north," and in Song of Songs 6:10 it asks of a figure who "rises like the dawn."

   Jeremiah 6:1Song of Songs 6:10

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly uses "looked down," "looked out," "looked upon," or "looked toward" in observation scenes, and "overlooks" for elevated terrain. It also renders passive visibility with "appeared" and "rises"; these are verse-level renderings rather than fixed word alignments.