כֵּף (keph)
keph
rock
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kēph refers to a rock or specifically the hollow of a rock. In Scripture, this word appears only twice, in Job and Jeremiah, where it describes a place of refuge. The imagery suggests a crevice or overhang that offers protection from danger or harsh weather.
Its meaning is concrete and physical, pointing to a solid, immovable object that provides shelter. This usage aligns with other biblical metaphors where God is described as a rock, emphasizing stability and safety for those who seek cover in Him.
The rarity of this word highlights its specific function in these texts. Rather than a general term for stone, it evokes the image of a safe haven carved into solid earth, reinforcing themes of divine protection in moments of distress.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels unstable, the image of a rock offers a quiet hope. This rare Hebrew word describes not just any stone, but a specific crevice or hollow within a cliff face. It suggests a place where one can step inside and find shelter from the storm outside. The physical reality of being tucked into solid earth provides a tangible sense of safety when the world around you is chaotic.
In Job and Jeremiah, this word appears during times of great distress. People are fleeing danger, seeking any available cover in the rugged landscape. For your faith, this reminds us that God often provides refuge in ways we might not expect. He does not always remove the storm immediately; sometimes He gives you a place to hide until it passes.
You do not have to face every crisis alone or with empty hands. The Bible points to a Creator who is as solid and reliable as the earth itself. When you feel exposed, remember that there is a safe haven prepared for you. Rest in that assurance, knowing your foundation is secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ rocks1×
- and/ on the/ rocks1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בַ/כֵּפִ֖ים1×
- וְ/כֵפִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Job 30:6
so that they live in frightful valleys, and in holes of the earth and of the rocks.
This verse highlights the word's use to describe the desperate hiding places of those cast out, emphasizing the physical need for shelter in a harsh environment.
-
Jeremiah 4:29
Every city flees for the noise of the horsemen and archers. They go into the thickets and climb up on the rocks. Every city is forsaken, and not a man dwells therein.
Here the word appears in a context of national panic, showing how people climb rocks for protection when cities fall, underscoring the rock's role as a last resort for safety.