Lexical Summary kephalis: roll, scroll Original Word: κεφαλίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance volume, roll of a bookFrom kephale; properly, a knob, i.e. (by implication) a roll (by extension from the end of a stick on which the manuscript was rolled) -- volume. see GREEK kephale NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindim. of kephalé Definition a little head, a roll NASB Translation scroll (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2777: κεφαλίςκεφαλίς, κεφαλίδος, ἡ (diminutive of κεφαλή, formed after the analogy of ἁμαξίς, πινακίς, etc.; cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii., p. 443; Kühner, § 380 Anm. 5, i., p. 708); 1. a little head (Latincapitellum, capitulum). 2. the highest part, extremity or end of anything; as the capital of a column, 1 Kings 7:9, 31 etc.; Geoponica 14, 6, 6; hence, the tips or knobs (theumbilici of the Romans (or rather the cornua; see Gardthausen, Griech. Palaeogr., p. 52f; Rich, Dictionary, under the word umbilicus)) of the wooden rod around which parchments were rolled seem to have been called κεφαλίδες, because they resembled little heads; so that 3. the Alexandrian writers transferred the name κεφαλίς to the roll or volume itself: ἐν κεφαλίδι βίβλου, Hebrews 10:7 (from the Sept. of Psalm 39:8 STRONGS NT 2777b: κημόωκημόω, κημῷ: future κημώσω; (κημός a muzzle); to stop the mouth by a muzzle, to muzzle: βοῦν, 1 Corinthians 9:9 T Tr WH marginal reading (Xenophon, r. eq. 5, 3); see φιμόω. Strong’s Greek 2777 appears a single time in the New Testament (Hebrews 10:7) and denotes the rolled parchment or scroll that contains written Scripture. By extension the word speaks not merely of an artifact but of the totality of God’s recorded will. Historical Background of Scrolls In the first century, Scripture was housed almost exclusively on scrolls fashioned from parchment or papyrus sheets sewn end-to-end. Each sheet was wrapped around wooden or bone staves, forming knobs that enabled the reader to unroll and roll the text with ease. Because only one side of a sheet was typically inscribed, the reader advanced through the work by unrolling from the left stave while rolling onto the right, revealing the text column by column. These scrolls were stored upright in cylindrical cases or laid horizontally in niches of synagogues and private libraries. Public worship featured the ceremonial unrolling of a scroll, a practice still preserved in Jewish liturgy (Luke 4:16–17). Specific New Testament Usage (Hebrews 10:7) “Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll of the book: I have come to do Your will, O God.’” (Hebrews 10:7). The writer of Hebrews cites Psalm 40:7–8 (Hebrew 40:8–9) to highlight Christ’s conscious submission to the Father’s redemptive plan. By using this word, the author underscores three ideas: 1. The Old Testament is a predetermined and complete witness to Messiah. Old Testament Parallels and Prophetic Resonance Jeremiah 36 presents a striking parallel in which the prophet records divine words on a scroll, later destroyed by King Jehoiakim, only to be rewritten. God’s Word proves indestructible and authoritative. Ezekiel 2:9–3:3 depicts a scroll written on both sides—full, complete, and demanding the prophet’s consumption. These passages thread a consistent theme: the scroll embodies the revealed will of God that must be heeded, preserved, and proclaimed. Christological Import Hebrews 10:7 frames the entire Old Testament as a witness to Christ. The scroll of the book contains a christocentric storyline moving inexorably toward the cross and resurrection. Jesus does not merely appear in the biblical narrative; He embodies its intention. The phrase “I have come to do Your will” conveys His voluntary alignment with that written counsel. Thus, the term crystallizes the relationship between the inscripturated Word and the incarnate Word (John 1:14). Transmission of Scripture and the Authority of the Written Word The presence of this specialized word points to the providential means God employed to safeguard His revelation. From Moses’ tablets to the prophetic scrolls and eventually to codices, Scripture’s physical forms have changed, yet its authority remains unchanged. The single New Testament occurrence serves as a bridge linking the Hebrew scrolls with the emerging Christian canon, affirming continuity and reliability across covenants. Ministry Applications 1. Expository Preaching. Hebrews 10:7 exemplifies Christ-centered exposition. Modern proclamation should likewise announce Christ from every portion of Scripture (Acts 17:2–3). Related Biblical Imagery • Scroll sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1–9) – the unfolding of God’s eschatological plan. Key References Hebrews 10:7; Psalm 40:7–8; Jeremiah 36:2, 23; Ezekiel 2:9–3:3; Luke 4:16–21; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Revelation 5:1–9. |
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