כִּפֻּרִים (kip.pur)
kip.pur
atonement
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kip.pur points to a profound act of covering or cleansing that restores broken relationships. In the Old Testament, this concept was central to the rituals performed by priests, particularly on the Day of Atonement. It reminds us that sin creates a real distance between humanity and God, but it also highlights the generous provision God made for reconciliation through sacrificial means.
For your faith today, this word offers comfort rather than fear. It shows that God is not indifferent to our failures; He has provided a way for guilt to be removed and peace to be restored. While the ancient system pointed forward, Christians believe these rituals found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all to deal with sin permanently.
Understanding this term helps us appreciate the seriousness of sin while marveling at the depth of God’s mercy. It invites us to approach God with honesty about our shortcomings, trusting that His grace is sufficient to cover our faults and renew our hearts. This assurance allows us to live freely, knowing we are accepted not by our own perfection, but by His faithful love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ atonement<s>7×
- atonement<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/כִּפֻּרִ֔ים3×
- הַ/כִּפֻּרִ֗ים2×
- כִּפֻּרִים֙1×
- הַ/כִּפֻּרִים֙1×
- הַ/כִּפֻּרִ֣ים1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 23:27
“However on the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement. It shall be a holy convocation to you. You shall afflict yourselves and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
This verse establishes the Day of Atonement as a specific holy convocation where the people were to afflict themselves, highlighting the solemnity and corporate nature of seeking forgiveness.
-
Exodus 30:10
Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to Yahweh.”
Here, the word describes an annual ritual performed by Aaron on the altar's horns, emphasizing that atonement was a sustained, priestly responsibility to maintain holiness before Yahweh.
-
Exodus 30:16
You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.”
This passage links atonement money to a memorial for Israel, showing that the financial contribution served as a tangible reminder of the people's dependence on God's provision for their souls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word kip.pur mean?
How is kip.pur different from general forgiveness?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Every day you shall offer the bull of sin offering for atonement. You shall cleanse the altar when you make atonement…
Exodus 30:10Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the…
Exodus 30:16You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of…