Lexical Summary Kaphtori: Caphtorite Original Word: כַּפְתֹּרִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Caphthorim, Caphtorims Patrial from Kaphtor; a Caphtorite (collectively) or native of Caphtor -- Caphthorim, Caphtorim(-s). see HEBREW Kaphtor NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Kaphtor Definition desc. of Mizraim, also their land NASB Translation Caphtor (1), Caphtorim (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כַּפְתֹּרִי] adjective, of a people, only plural as substantive כַּפְתֹּרִים Cretans; Genesis 10:14 (J) = 1 Chronicles 1:12; as expellers of the 'Awwim' from their homes about Gaza, Deuteronomy 2:23. I. כַּר basket-saddle, see below כור. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Caphtorites are the descendants of Caphtor, one of the clans traced through Mizraim, the son of Ham (Genesis 10:6, 13–14). In Scripture they appear as a distinct seafaring people whose migration and military activity shaped the demographic landscape along the Mediterranean littoral. Biblical Occurrences 1. Genesis 10:14 introduces them in the Table of Nations: “the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites”. Ethnological Placement in Scripture Being listed among the sons of Mizraim links the Caphtorites to Egypt ethnically, yet the biblical narrative locates their homeland across the sea from Canaan. Jeremiah 47:4 and Amos 9:7 refer to “Caphtor” independently of the term Caphtorites, affirming it as a recognizable geographic entity. Together, these passages portray the Caphtorites as an Egyptian-related, maritime people who expanded outward to occupy coastal territories. Geographical Considerations Caphtor is depicted as an island or coastland accessible by sea. Historical proposals identify it with Crete, the broader Aegean region, or the Nile Delta. While extra-biblical evidence is debated, Scripture consistently places Caphtor beyond the horizon of Canaan, supporting a Mediterranean setting that enabled seaborne movement into Philistia. Historical Background Deuteronomy 2:23 situates the Caphtorite incursion alongside other territorial reallocations chronicled in the same chapter (e.g., Seir and Moab). Moses cites these movements to underscore God’s sovereign distribution of lands: what He granted to Caphtorites and others He could likewise grant to Israel. Their defeat of the Avvites illustrates how people groups rise and fall under providential oversight. Relations with Other Peoples 1. Avvites – The Caphtorite conquest of Avvite villages exemplifies the volatile flux of peoples around Gaza prior to Israel’s arrival. Prophetic Significance Jeremiah foretells judgment on “all the remnant from the seacoast of Caphtor” (Jeremiah 47:4), and Amos reminds Israel that the LORD “brought up the Philistines from Caphtor” (Amos 9:7). These notices show God’s universal governance: He raises nations and disciplines them, whether Israel or Caphtorite descendants, according to covenant faithfulness or rebellion. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Sovereignty of God – The Caphtorites serve as a case study in divine orchestration of migrations, wars, and settlements. Teachers can highlight how God’s purposes transcend any single nation. Lessons for Believers Today • History unfolds under God’s directing hand; national destinies are neither random nor self-determined. Selected References for Further Study Genesis 10:14; Deuteronomy 2:23; 1 Chronicles 1:12; Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7; Psalm 86:9; Acts 17:26. Forms and Transliterations כַּפְתֹּרִֽים׃ כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ כפתרים כפתרים׃ kaftoRim kap̄·tō·rîm kap̄tōrîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:14 HEB: פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים וְאֶת־ כַּפְתֹּרִֽים׃ ס NAS: came the Philistines) and Caphtorim. KJV: Philistim,) and Caphtorim. INT: in it Philistine Caphthorim Deuteronomy 2:23 1 Chronicles 1:12 3 Occurrences |
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