כָּפַשׁ (ka.phash)
ka.phash
to cower
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kaphash appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Lamentations 3:53. In this context, it describes a physical act of pressing or bending down, specifically depicting how enemies tried to crush the psalmist by throwing stones and burying him under debris. The word conveys a sense of being forced into a bent posture through external pressure.
Its usage is limited to the Hiphil stem, which indicates a causative action: one party causes another to bend or cower. This rare occurrence highlights a moment of intense physical oppression and vulnerability, where the weight of the enemy’s actions forces the victim downward. The imagery is concrete and visceral, focusing on the bodily reality of being trampled or pressed into the ground.
Because it appears in such a specific historical and literary setting, kaphash serves as a stark reminder of physical suffering within the broader themes of lament. It does not carry abstract theological weight beyond this narrative moment but provides a vivid picture of the danger faced by the speaker. Translators typically render it as "press" or "bury," capturing the forceful nature of the action described in this single verse.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb kaphash appears only once in Scripture, in Lamentations 3:53. It describes the physical act of being forced down or buried under debris by enemies. This vivid image captures the extreme vulnerability of someone crushed by external pressure.
When life feels overwhelming, it is natural to feel as though you are being pressed into the ground. This word reminds us that such intense suffering is known to God. The psalmist’s raw honesty in Lamentations shows that bringing our deepest pain to God is an act of faith.
You do not have to hide your struggle. God sees the weight you carry and hears your cries. In moments when pressure feels unbearable, remember that you are seen and known by a God who cares for your suffering.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he has made cower/ me1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הִכְפִּישַׁ֖/נִי1×