6858. tsepheth

Lexicon

tsepheth: Pitch, tar

Original Word: צֶפֶת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: tsepheth
Pronunciation: tseh'-feth
Phonetic Spelling: (tseh'-feth)
Definition: Pitch, tar
Meaning: a capital of a, column

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

chapiter

From an unused root meaning to encircle; a capital of a column -- chapiter.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from tsaphah
Definition
probably plated capital (of a pillar)
NASB Translation
capital (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

צֶ֫פֶת noun feminine apparently plated capital of pillar2Chronicles 3:15.

צפח (√ of following; compare Arabic II. make wide, broad; anything broad (stone, plank, sheathing, plating), Syriac plating; also Ethiopic spread out, extend; Sabean (Lihyanian) הצפחת, אצפחת platform, DHM^{Epigr. Denkm. 84. 86}; but (transposed) Arabic , wide bowl, compare Frä⁶³).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to "set up" or "erect."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • There is no direct Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word צֶפֶת (Tsefet) in the Strong's Concordance. However, related architectural terms in Greek might include κεφαλή (kephalē), meaning "head" or "top," which can be used metaphorically or literally to describe the top part of a structure, such as a column capital.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term צֶפֶת (Tsefet) within its biblical and historical context, highlighting its significance in ancient architectural practices.

Usage: The term צֶפֶת (Tsefet) is used in the context of architectural elements, specifically referring to the capital or topmost part of a column. This word is not frequently found in the Hebrew Bible, indicating its specialized use in describing structural features.

Context: • The Hebrew word צֶפֶת (Tsefet) is associated with the architectural design of ancient structures, particularly in the context of temple or palace construction. Capitals were often ornately designed and served both a decorative and functional purpose, crowning the columns that supported roofs or upper stories. The use of capitals in ancient architecture symbolized strength and beauty, often reflecting the artistic and cultural values of the period.
• In the biblical context, the term may be used to describe the intricate craftsmanship involved in the construction of sacred spaces, such as the Temple in Jerusalem. The capitals would have been a significant feature, contributing to the grandeur and solemnity of the worship environment.
• While the specific term צֶפֶת (Tsefet) is not extensively documented in the biblical text, its presence underscores the importance of detailed and skilled workmanship in the construction of places of worship and governance.

Forms and Transliterations

וְהַצֶּ֥פֶת והצפת vehatzTzefet wə·haṣ·ṣe·p̄eṯ wəhaṣṣep̄eṯ

Englishman's Concordance

2 Chronicles 3:15
HEB: וְחָמֵ֖שׁ אֹ֑רֶךְ וְהַצֶּ֥פֶת אֲשֶׁר־ עַל־
NAS: high, and the capital on the top
KJV: high, and the chapiter that [was] on the top
INT: of each five high and the capital after on

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 6858
1 Occurrence

wə·haṣ·ṣe·p̄eṯ — 1 Occ.