κεφαλίς
kephalís
G2777 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A rounded end or knob; in Hellenistic and later Greek, specifically the end-cap or knob of a staff, scepter, or scroll stick (the physical head of the object); by extension, the roll of a scroll, i.e., a complete scroll or volume, typically a written work on a rolled papyrus or parchment. In literary contexts, refers to a written volume (scroll) as a physical entity, especially as the object which is unrolled and read.
Semantic Range
knob (on staff or scepter), end cap of a scroll, rolled scroll, volume or book (as a scroll)
Root / Etymology
From κεφαλή (head), with the diminutive suffix -ίς, indicating 'little head' or 'knob.' Originally referred to small, rounded caps or knobs, later specialized for the end of a scroll stick; through metonymy came to mean the scroll/volume itself.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κεφαλίς described any small head or knob, such as on staffs, rods, or scepters. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (e.g., LXX, Philo, New Testament, papyri), the term came to designate not only the scroll's knob/end but also the whole rolled scroll itself by metonymy—an important shift seen in Septuagint (LXX Psalm 39:7 [38:8 LXX], where it refers to a written scroll or book). In New Testament literature, κεφαλίς occurs only in Hebrews 10:7, meaning a scroll or written volume. English 'volume' as a translation is motivated by this ancient practice, but may lose the original tactile connotation of the rolled/labeled scroll. The word does not simply mean 'book' in abstract, but a physical object—a rolled scroll as an individual literary unit.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κεφαλή; properly, a knob, i.e. (by implication) a roll (by extension from the end of a stick on which the manuscript was rolled):--volume.
Root Family
κεφαλίς (kephalís) — head, knob, end piece
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2777-01 |
κεφαλίδι | kephalidi | N DAT F SG |
the scroll | in the scroll roll | the scroll roll | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2777-01 |
Hebrews 10:7 | κεφαλίδι | kephalidi | N DAT F SG |
the scroll | in the scroll roll | the scroll roll |