כִּפָּה
𐤊𐤐𐤄
kippâh
H3712 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A rounded or arched form; specifically, in biblical contexts, a vault, dome, or covering—most commonly referring to the vaulting of a ceiling. The word denotes an architectural covering with a curved, cupola-like structure rather than a flat roof. In some contexts, used metaphorically for a broad or domed canopy.
Semantic Range
vault, arch, dome, canopy, domed covering, lid (specifically a rounded cover), architectural vault
Root / Etymology
From the root כף (kaf), meaning 'palm (of the hand),' 'sole (of the foot),' or 'curved/hollow shape.' כִּפָּה (kippâh) is a feminine noun formation, likely denoting something that is curved or vaulted, extending the concept of 'curving' or a 'hollow' to architectural and natural forms such as domes or vaults. The connection with the palm (as in the hand or foot) suggests a shape that bows or arches like a cupped hand.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, כִּפָּה occurs in Zechariah 5:2 where it describes the 'lid' or 'cover' of an ephah (large basket), clearly depicting a circular or vaulted covering rather than a simple flat surface. The rendering as 'leaf of a palmtree' or 'branch' in earlier lexicons like Strong's stems from associating the root with curved or rounded natural forms but is not supported by contextual usage in the biblical text. Later Hebrew and post-biblical usage adapts the term for architectural vaults and, eventually, religious head coverings (a usage not present in biblical Hebrew). The word appears rarely and does not refer to branches or leaves of palm trees in biblical contexts; for palm branches or leaves, other terms (e.g., תמר, כָּף, עָנָף) are used. English translations as 'dome,' 'vault,' or 'covering' most accurately reflect the meaning in biblical passages.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of כַּף; a leaf of a palmtree; branch.
Bantu Hebrew
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כף (k-p̄) — to bend, curve, hollow; palm; arched form
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3712-01 |
כִּפָּ֥ה | kipah | HNcfsa |
palm branch | domed vault | 2 |
H3712-02 |
וְ֝/כִפָּת֗/וֹ | vekhipato | HC/Ncfsc/Sp3ms |
and his branch | and his domed-vault | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3712-01 |
Isaiah 9:13 | כִּפָּ֥ה | kipah | HNcfsa |
palm-branch | domed vault |
H3712-01 |
Isaiah 19:15 | כִּפָּ֥ה | kipah | HNcfsa |
palm branch | domed vault |
H3712-02 |
Job 15:32 | וְ֝/כִפָּת֗/וֹ | vekhipato | HC/Ncfsc/Sp3ms |
and his branch | and his domed-vault |