כָּפַף (ka.phaph)
ka.phaph
to bend
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kaphaph describes the physical act of bending or bowing down. It appears in only four verses, primarily in poetic and prophetic texts like Psalms and Isaiah. The word captures a tangible movement where the body yields to gravity or pressure, creating an image of humility or submission.
In the Qal stem, it simply means to bend down, as when a person lowers their head in respect. The Niphal form adds intentionality, describing someone bowing themselves in worship. This distinction highlights that while the physical posture is universal, the spiritual context gives it meaning, such as Micah’s rhetorical question about how one might bow before God.
The sources note its use for the soul being bowed down, suggesting a deep emotional or spiritual weight rather than just a physical gesture. This usage connects bodily humility with inner states of grief or reverence. Translators often render it as "bow" or "bend," preserving the simple yet powerful imagery of yielding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kaphaph describes the simple, physical act of bending down. It is not a complex theological term but a bodily movement where someone yields to gravity or pressure. In Scripture, this posture often signals humility before God or the weight of grief pressing on the soul.
When you feel overwhelmed, remember that God lifts up those who are bowed down (Psalms 146:8). He does not demand performative piety like bowing a head like a reed in Isaiah 58:5. Instead, He offers real support to the weary. Your honest posture before Him is enough.
This verb reminds us that strength is not always about standing tall. Sometimes it means allowing God to uphold you when your own strength gives way. There is peace in knowing He sees your humility and responds with grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ¿/ to/ bend down1×
- will I bend myself down?1×
- those/ [who] are bent down1×
- [those who] are bent down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּפוּפִ֑ים1×
- הַ/כְּפוּפִֽים\׃1×
- הֲ/לָ/כֹ֨ף1×
- אִכַּ֖ף1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 146:8
Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous.
This verse highlights God's active role in raising up those who are bowed down, showing His care for the humbled.
-
Isaiah 58:5
Is this the fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to humble his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under himself? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Yahweh?
Here the word critiques empty ritual, contrasting mere physical bowing with true spiritual humility.
-
Micah 6:6
How shall I come before Yahweh, and bow myself before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
The prophet uses this term to question whether external gestures like bowing can substitute for genuine devotion.