Κηφᾶς (Kēphas)
Kēphas
Cephas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Kēphas is the Greek transliteration of the Aramaic word for "stone" or "rock." It appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Paul’s letters, serving as a specific title for the apostle Peter before he was widely known by his Greek name, Petros. This usage highlights the linguistic bridge between Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and the early church’s expansion into the Greco-Roman world.
Its most significant appearance occurs in John 1:42, where Jesus immediately renames Simon as Cephas, establishing a new identity rooted in strength and stability. Paul also uses this Aramaic form in Galatians to emphasize his direct interaction with the original apostles, recalling visits to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:18; 2:9). By retaining the Semitic title, these texts preserve the historical connection to Jesus’ earthly ministry.
While Petros is the standard Greek term for rock, Cephas functions as a proper name that carries theological weight. It signifies the foundational role Peter played in the early community. The consistent use of this foreign term in Greek texts underscores the Jewish roots of Christianity and the personal authority Jesus bestowed upon his first follower.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Cephas comes from an Aramaic word meaning stone or rock. In John 1:42, Jesus uses this term to rename Simon, marking a shift from his old identity to a new one built on spiritual strength. This simple act shows how God sees potential in people and gives them a purpose that lasts beyond their current circumstances.
Later writings show this name carrying weight in the early church. When Paul mentions Cephas alongside other leaders, he acknowledges the foundational role these early followers played in spreading the faith. It reminds us that our lives are part of a larger story, where ordinary individuals become pillars of support for others through their commitment to Christ.
Understanding this term helps us see the human side of biblical history. The bridge between Jewish traditions and the wider world was built by people who were willing to be renamed and redefined by their relationship with Jesus. This offers hope that our own identities can be transformed by grace, giving us a stable place in God's family.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Cephas4×
- to Peter1×
- to Cephas,1×
- of Cephas,1×
- Peter1×
- Cephas?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κηφᾶς3×
- Κηφᾷ,1×
- Κηφᾷ1×
- Κηφᾶς;1×
- Κηφᾶς,1×
- Κηφᾶν1×
- Κηφᾶ,1×
Key Verses
-
John 1:42
He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).
This verse records the moment Jesus renames Simon, establishing Cephas as a title of enduring spiritual strength and new identity.
-
I Corinthians 15:5
and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
Paul lists Cephas first among those who saw the risen Lord, highlighting his central role in the early witness to the resurrection.
-
Galatians 2:9
and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
Here Cephas is called a pillar alongside James and John, showing his recognized authority in guiding the early church's direction.