Lexical Summary Képhas: Cephas Original Word: Κηφᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cephas. Of Chaldee origin (compare keph); the Rock; Cephas (i.e. Kepha), a surname of Peter -- Cephas. see HEBREW keph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Aramaic origin Definition "a rock," Cephas, a name given to the apostle Peter NASB Translation Cephas (9). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2786: ΚεφαςΚεφας, κεφα (Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ (Chaldean כֵּיפָא, a rock), Cephas (equivalent to Πέτρος (cf. B. D. (American edition), p. 2459)), the surname of Simon the apostle: John 1:42 (43); 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 9:5; 1 Corinthians 15:5; Galatians 2:9; and L T Tr WH also in Galatians 1:18; Galatians 2:11, 14. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Jesus met the Galilean fisherman Simon and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter) (John 1:42). Cephas, the Aramaic equivalent of the Greek Petros, conveys the idea of a stone set in place by God. The change of name signals both a new identity in Christ and a future role as a stable witness in the apostolic foundation of the church. Occurrences in the New Testament John 1:42 introduces the name; all remaining occurrences appear in Paul’s letters. Paul alternates between “Peter” and “Cephas,” using the Aramaic form nine times: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 9:5; 1 Corinthians 15:5; Galatians 1:18; Galatians 2:9; Galatians 2:11; Galatians 2:14. The distribution is instructive: • In 1 Corinthians, Cephas functions as one of several well-known apostolic figures whose names were wrongly used as party slogans in Corinth. Paul corrects this sectarian spirit by asking, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). Apostolic Role and Ministry Significance Cephas is consistently presented as a leading figure among the Twelve. His name heads every apostolic list; he speaks on behalf of the group; he is granted access to pivotal moments such as the transfiguration and Gethsemane. After the resurrection, the Lord’s private appearance to Cephas (1 Corinthians 15:5) both restores him after his denial and positions him to strengthen his brothers (compare Luke 22:31-32). The Jerusalem Consultation (Acts 15, echoed in Galatians 2) reveals Cephas’ openness to Paul’s Gentile mission. Although he faltered at Antioch, his earlier fellowship with uncircumcised believers demonstrates that he grasped the inclusive scope of grace. The incident does not reveal doctrinal disagreement but personal inconsistency; Paul’s rebuke safeguards the gospel and, by implication, preserves the unity between the pillars in Jerusalem and the frontier mission spearheaded by Paul. Theological Themes 1. Transformation by Christ. The transition from Simon to Cephas models the way Christ gives new purpose and character. Historical Tradition Early extrabiblical sources link Peter/Cephas with missionary work in regions stretching from Antioch to Rome, culminating in martyrdom under Nero. While the New Testament is silent on his final years, the epistles attributed to Peter bear witness to pastoral concern for scattered believers facing persecution. The enduring memory of Cephas as both flawed and fearless encourages the church to rely on divine grace rather than human sufficiency. Practical and Devotional Insights Summary Strong’s Greek 2786 highlights the Aramaic name by which Jesus recast Simon’s identity and vocation. Its nine New Testament occurrences sketch a portrait of an apostle who was first among eyewitnesses, foundational in doctrine, yet humbly corrected when necessary. Cephas stands as a living stone placed by the Master Builder, inviting every believer to stability, fidelity, and gospel-shaped fellowship. Forms and Transliterations Κηφα Κηφᾷ Κηφᾶ Κηφαν Κηφᾶν Κηφας Κηφᾶς κίβδηλον Kepha Kephâ Kēpha Kēphâ Kephā̂i Kēphā̂i Kephan Kephân Kēphan Kēphân Kephas Kephâs Kēphas KēphâsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 1:42 N-NMSGRK: σὺ κληθήσῃ Κηφᾶς ὃ ἑρμηνεύεται NAS: you shall be called Cephas (which KJV: shalt be called Cephas, which INT: you will be called Cephas which means 1 Corinthians 1:12 N-GMS 1 Corinthians 3:22 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 9:5 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 15:5 N-DMS Galatians 1:18 N-AMS Galatians 2:9 N-NMS Galatians 2:11 N-NMS Galatians 2:14 N-DMS Strong's Greek 2786 |
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