כִּפָּה (kip.pah)
kip.pah
branch
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kipah refers to a branch or frond, with the sources indicating it likely describes that of a palm tree. It appears in only two verses in the Old Testament, making its usage quite rare compared to more common words for wood or foliage.
In Isaiah 44:14, the word is used in the context of selecting timber for idolatry, where a man takes some of the trees to make a god. The specific mention of a palm frond highlights the variety of materials available to the carpenter, contrasting the living plant with the crafted image. This concrete detail grounds the prophetic critique in everyday reality.
Its rarity gives the word a distinct texture when it does appear. Rather than serving as a general term for vegetation, kipah points to a specific type of leafy shoot, likely from the date palm which was common in the region. This precision helps readers visualize the scene in Isaiah without needing to guess at the kind of tree involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kipah describes a specific kind of green shoot, often from a palm tree. It appears in only two places in Scripture, making its usage quite rare. When we encounter it, we are reminded of the tangible details of daily life in ancient times.
In Isaiah 19:15, this term highlights the materials available for crafting idols. The prophet uses this concrete image to show how human efforts often lack true vitality. It serves as a quiet reminder that our trust should rest in the Creator, not in what our hands can shape.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- palm branch1×
- and/ palm branch/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּפָּ֥ה1×
- וְ֝/כִפָּת֗/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 19:15
Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which head or tail, palm branch or rush, may do.
The word identifies a palm branch among the materials used for idolatry, emphasizing the contrast between living creation and lifeless craft.
-
Job 15:32
It will be accomplished before his time. His branch will not be green.
Here the term refers to a branch that fails to stay green, symbolizing premature death and the futility of wicked plans.