Lexical Summary kippah: Dome, Covering Original Word: כִּפָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance branch Feminine of kaph; a leaf of a palm-tree -- branch. see HEBREW kaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of kaph Definition a branch, frond (of a palm tree) NASB Translation palm branch (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs כִּמָּה noun feminine branch frond (probably of palm tree, compare כַּף 3d); — ׳כ Isaiah 9:13; Isaiah 19:15 figurative of nobles, rulers (both opposed to אַגְמוֺן rush, i.e. high and low; "" רֹאשׁ וְזָנָב); with suffix כִּמָּתוֺ Job 15:32 (of wicked under figure of palm-tree). I. כפר (of following; original meaning dubious, but most probably cover, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Overview Kippah depicts the tuft or crown of a tree, most naturally the graceful palm-branch. Physically it points to the green, upward-reaching extremity of growth; literarily it serves as an image of prominence, leadership, or the pride of a people brought low under divine judgment. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Job 15:32 – the withering “branch” of the wicked. Contextual Nuances Job 15 places the word within Eliphaz’s speech on the inevitable collapse of the arrogant. The green summit that once announced vitality will never flourish, underscoring the certainty of retribution. In the twin Isaianic texts, kippah pairs with “reed” to cover every social stratum—from exalted leaders (the soaring palm) to the lowly commoner (the fragile marsh reed). The phrase “head and tail, palm branch and reed” serves as a merism, declaring totality of judgment. Symbolic and Theological Implications 1. Judgment on Pride. The palm-like crown symbolizes what is most visible and celebrated. Its removal demonstrates that no human stature, political or religious, can shield a nation from the righteousness of God. 2. Comprehensive Accountability. By coupling kippah with the reed, Scripture stresses that divine scrutiny reaches the whole body politic. Leadership failure (“head…palm-branch”) hastens collective downfall—an enduring warning for those entrusted with authority in church or state. 3. Transiency of Earthly Glory. The palm was a Near-Eastern emblem of prosperity and victory; yet in Job the same green tip withers “before its time.” Temporal success apart from righteousness is exposed as fleeting. 4. Anticipation of Messianic Restoration. The removal of the palm-branch in Isaiah 9 precedes the prophecy of a Child whose government will be established “with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore” (Isaiah 9:7). The judgment imagery therefore heightens longing for the Branch of the Lord who cannot be cut off (cf. Isaiah 11:1). Historical Background • Palm trees lined ancient processional roads and temple environs, making the kippah a natural image for civic and religious elites. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Integrity over Image: Churches must cultivate depth of root in doctrine and holiness, not merely the visible canopy of programs and reputation. Summary Kippah, though a small term, carries a large reminder: whatever rises highest among God’s people must remain subject to His Word. When that Word is ignored, the proud palm is severed; when it is honored, the true and living Branch secures everlasting fruitfulness. Forms and Transliterations וְ֝כִפָּת֗וֹ וכפתו כִּפָּ֥ה כפה kip·pāh kipPah kippāh vechippaTo wə·ḵip·pā·ṯōw wəḵippāṯōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 15:32 HEB: י֭וֹמוֹ תִּמָּלֵ֑א וְ֝כִפָּת֗וֹ לֹ֣א רַעֲנָֽנָה׃ NAS: his time, And his palm branch will not be green. KJV: his time, and his branch shall not be green. INT: his time will be accomplished and his palm before shall not be green Isaiah 9:14 Isaiah 19:15 3 Occurrences |
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cover, hide; > RS who thinks of Aramaic כָפַר, 
Pa`el wash away, rub off whence כֹּפֶר כִּמֶּר of washing away, obliteration of sin: Late Hebrew כִּמֶּר, Aramaic כַּמֵּר and derive.; Arabic 
an expiation (see RSOTJC 438; 2. 381 Kn on