כֶּ֫פֶל (ke.phel)
ke.phel
double
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 kèphel denotes something that is doubled or consists of two parts. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, carrying the straightforward sense of a pair or a duplicate. In Job 41:5, it describes the scales of the leviathan’s back, emphasizing the creature’s formidable, armored nature through this imagery of paired plates.
Its rarity makes its usage distinct. Rather than a common term for repetition, it points to physical duality or symmetry. The word highlights the structural integrity of the beast, suggesting that its strength lies in this doubled formation. Translators often render it as "double" or "pairs," capturing the visual reality of two identical elements joined together.
This limited occurrence underscores the precision of biblical language. When the text uses kèphel, it draws attention to specific physical details rather than abstract concepts. The word anchors the reader in the tangible world, reminding us that even mythical creatures are described with concrete, observable features.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kephel appears only twice in Scripture, yet each instance carries significant weight. In Job, it describes the paired scales of a leviathan, highlighting physical strength and structural integrity. This concrete imagery reminds us that God’s creation is detailed and purposeful, even in its most formidable aspects.
In Isaiah 40:2, the term shifts to spiritual comfort. Jerusalem has received “double” for her sins, not as a burden, but as a completed payment. This usage suggests that what once weighed heavily has been fully satisfied. It points to a restoration where loss is replaced by abundance.
For your faith, this rare word invites trust in God’s justice and care. Whether facing personal trials or seeking assurance of forgiveness, the text assures us that God deals with precision and grace. His actions are not vague; they are specific, thorough, and ultimately restorative for those who hope in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- double2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּפְלַ֖יִם1×
- כִפְלַ֪יִם1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 40:2
“Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins.”
It signifies that Jerusalem has received a full or double payment for her sins, indicating complete restoration rather than ongoing punishment.