כָּפָה
𐤊𐤐𐤄
kâphâh
H3711 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bend, subdue, or bring under control, whether physically or figuratively. The term is used for actions such as treading down, forcing submission, or restraining; in figurative contexts, it can mean to humble, suppress, or pacify. Its primary usage conveys the act of overcoming resistance, either in individuals, groups, or emotions.
Semantic Range
to bend (physically), to force, to subdue, to tame, to suppress, to compel, to pacify
Root / Etymology
Root: כפה. The core idea of the root is 'to bend' or 'curve.' The verb כָּפָה (kâphâh) develops from this root meaning with the sense of bringing something (or someone) under control or compelling it to yield, whether that is by physical force, intimidation, or restraint. Over time, its use extends into figurative realms, indicating the adaptation or taming of behaviors or emotions. The root is not directly attested outside Hebrew, but some related Semitic cognates share the sense of bending or forcing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, כָּפָה occurs rarely and typically refers to either literal physical subjugation or analogous forms of control. It is most notably used for actions that force, suppress, or restraint, for example, in compelling someone to drink (e.g., Numbers 5:22: the woman is 'made to drink' the bitter water). The word can be contrasted with כבש (kavash), another root for 'subdue,' though כפה more strongly connotes forced submission or coercion. English translations often render the term as 'subdue,' 'bring into subjection,' or 'force,' though 'pacify' or 'tame' may also appear in figurative contexts; however, these may obscure the clear sense of active, sometimes coercive, dominance implied by the Hebrew. Its rare use limits evidence of semantic shifts over biblical periods, but attestations consistently preserve these core senses across contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to bend, i.e. (figuratively) to tame or subdue; pacify.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כפה (k-p-h) — to bend, to subdue, to force
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3711-01 |
יִכְפֶּה | yikhepeh | HVqi3ms |
subdues | he subdues | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3711-01 |
Proverbs 21:14 | יִכְפֶּה | yikhepeh | HVqi3ms |
subdues | he subdues |