Lexical Summary Kaphtor: Caphtor Original Word: כַּפְתֹּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Caphtor Or (Am. 9:7) Kaphtowr {kaf-tore'}; apparently the same as kaphtor; Caphtor (i.e. A wreath-shaped island), the original seat of the Philistines -- Caphtor. see HEBREW kaphtor NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kaphtor Definition probably a name for Crete NASB Translation Caphtor (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. כַּפְתּוֺר כַּפְתֹּר proper name, of a territory probably Crete, so Ew Kiep DiGenesis 10:14 GieJeremiah 47:4 and others; compare A. J. EvansCretan Pictographs (1895), 100 ff.; (> ᵐ5. Syriac Version. ᵑ9 ᵑ7. Cappadocia, certainly wrong; Mich Cyprus; EbAgM 127 ff. and others the coast of the Nile-Delta; WMMAs.Eu.387 f. Philistines, originally pirates from southwest coast of Asia Minor, and the Aegean islands); — כַּפְתּוֺר Amos 9:7 (original home of Philistines), כַּפְתֹּר Deuteronomy 2:23 (home of Caphtorim, see below); שְׁאֵרִית אִי כַּפְתֹּר Jeremiah 47:4 the rest of the coast-land of Caphtor. — See also כְּרֵתִי below Topical Lexicon Geographical SettingCaphtor is presented in Scripture as an island or coastal territory situated beyond the eastern Mediterranean. Ancient Near-Eastern records identify a land called “Keftiu,” associated with Crete and the Aegean world. Others suggest Cyprus or the Nile Delta. The common denominator is an island-based, maritime culture whose ships frequented Canaan’s ports and whose influence reached Egypt, Canaan, and beyond. Biblical Occurrences 1. Deuteronomy 2:23 links Caphtor with a seafaring people who displaced the Avvites: “As for the Caphtorites who came from Caphtor, they destroyed the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza and settled in their place.” Historical and Cultural Background Extra-biblical inscriptions portray “Keftiu” as a sophisticated trading power famed for nautical skill, fine craftsmanship, and a distinctive dress and hairstyle depicted in Egyptian tombs. Minoan frescoes and Mycenaean pottery unearthed in Philistia complement the biblical assertion that Caphtorite settlers arrived on the southern Canaanite coast. Their arrival reshaped the political map of the Late Bronze Age, aligning with archaeological layers that show new pottery styles (Philistine “bichrome ware”) and Aegean architectural features. Relationship to the Philistines Scripture consistently ties the Philistines to Caphtor, not to the line of Canaan. Genesis 10 traces Philistine origins through Mizraim; Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, and Amos affirm a later sea migration from Caphtor. This dual tradition explains why the Philistines exhibit both Egyptian and Aegean cultural traits. By the time of the Judges, they controlled five coastal city-states—Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath—exerting pressure on Israel’s western frontier. Theological and Ministry Implications Divine Sovereignty over Nations Amos 9:7 relativizes national privilege: the same Lord who guided Israel from Egypt also relocated the Philistines from Caphtor. History, migrations, and geopolitical upheavals lie under God’s governance. Justice Without Partiality Jeremiah 47:4 places Caphtorite Philistia under judgment, demonstrating that covenant prerogative does not exempt wrongdoing. God judges every nation by the same moral standard. Historical Credibility of Scripture Archaeology’s corroboration of an Aegean influx strengthens trust in the biblical record. Deuteronomy’s aside on Caphtorites predates the excavations that revealed Philistine pottery; yet both converge, affirming Scripture’s accuracy. Missional Perspective God’s orchestration of peoples highlights His redemptive concern for all nations. The Caphtorite narrative becomes a reminder that the gospel addresses every ethnicity and culture, whether ancient seafarers or modern global tribes. Application for Today 1. Humility: National or cultural heritage offers no ultimate security; only obedience to God does. Forms and Transliterations כַפְתּֽוֹר׃ כפתור׃ מִכַּפְתּ֔וֹר מִכַּפְתּ֖וֹר מכפתור chafTor ḵap̄·tō·wr ḵap̄tōwr mik·kap̄·tō·wr mikkafTor mikkap̄tōwrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 2:23 HEB: כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ הַיֹּצְאִ֣ים מִכַּפְתּ֔וֹר הִשְׁמִידֻ֖ם וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ NAS: who came from Caphtor, destroyed KJV: which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed INT: the Caphtorim came Caphtor destroyed and lived Jeremiah 47:4 Amos 9:7 3 Occurrences |
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