Definition and Significance:

Kaph is the eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds significant meaning in biblical literature and Hebrew tradition. In the Hebrew language, Kaph is represented by the symbol כ in its standard form and ך in its final form when it appears at the end of a word. The letter Kaph has a numerical value of 20. In Hebrew, the word "Kaph" means "palm" or "hollow of the hand," which is often associated with the idea of covering, holding, or receiving.

Biblical References:

Kaph appears in the acrostic structure of Psalm 119, where each section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The Kaph section, verses 81-88, reflects a deep yearning for God's salvation and a reliance on His word. The psalmist expresses a sense of longing and dependence on God's promises:

"My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, 'When will You comfort me?'" (Psalm 119:81-82).

This passage highlights the psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness and the sustaining power of His word, even amidst trials and suffering.

Symbolic Meaning:

In Jewish tradition, Kaph is often seen as a symbol of potential and the power to actualize one's abilities. The shape of the letter, resembling a cupped hand, suggests the idea of receiving and giving, reflecting the dual nature of human interaction with the divine—receiving God's blessings and extending them to others.

Theological Implications:

The concept of Kaph as a "palm" or "hollow of the hand" can be seen in various biblical contexts where God's protection and provision are emphasized. For instance, the imagery of God holding His people in the palm of His hand is a powerful representation of His care and sovereignty. This is echoed in Isaiah 49:16, where God reassures His people of His constant remembrance and protection:

"Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me" (Isaiah 49:16).

This verse underscores the intimate and personal nature of God's relationship with His people, emphasizing His commitment to their well-being and security.

Applications in Worship and Prayer:

In the context of worship and prayer, the letter Kaph can serve as a reminder of the believer's posture before God—open to receive His grace and eager to extend His love to others. The imagery of the open hand can inspire acts of charity, service, and humility, reflecting the character of Christ in daily life.

Conclusion:

While Kaph may seem like a simple letter, its depth of meaning and rich symbolism offer profound insights into the nature of God's relationship with humanity. Through its representation in Scripture and tradition, Kaph invites believers to trust in God's promises, embrace His protection, and actively participate in His work in the world.KAPH

kaf "k": The 11th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "k", with daghesh, and "kh" (=German ch) without daghesh. It came also to be used for the number 20. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.

3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot) ...
... kaph. 3710 . hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan.
Transliteration: kaph Phonetic Spelling: (kaf) Short Definition: hands. ... kaph. 3710 ...
/hebrew/3709.htm - 6k

3027. yad -- hand
... A primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
in distinction from kaph, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) In a ...
/hebrew/3027.htm - 8k

3712. kippah -- a branch, frond (of a palm tree)
... Word Origin fem. of kaph Definition a branch, frond (of a palm tree) NASB Word Usage
palm branch (3). branch. Feminine of kaph; a leaf of a palm-tree -- branch. ...
/hebrew/3712.htm - 6k

Footnotes
... 3:Pronounced: Kelchits. The ch is a guttural like the Hebrew kaph, or like ch in
the word loch. 4 A common saying in Peter's day. 5 Pronounced Rockitsanna. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hutton/history of the moravian church/footnotes.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... And Apollodorus, alla echedon te to kaph?laion ton kakon eirekas ek philarguri?,
gar pant' eni; When thou speakestl of the Love of Money, thou mentionest the ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

Chapter xx
... In the latter expression the word for "hand," kaph, signifies "the palm of the hand,"
consequently, not even hidden uncleanness within the hand, "therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xx.htm

Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
... Beth, Gimel, Daleth, Kaph, Pe, Resh, Tau, which are, or where in Hebrew capable
of modification by a Dagesh - but this also must be mystically understood) and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix v rabbinic theology and.htm

The Apocalypse.
... The Hebrew Aleph counts 1, Beth 2, etc., Yodh 10; but Kaph (the eleventh
letter) counts 20, Resh (the twentieth letter) 200, etc. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

Kaph (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia KAPH. ... For name, etc., see ALPHABET.
Multi-Version Concordance Kaph (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:81 KAPH. ...
/k/kaph.htm - 6k

Paw (4 Occurrences)
... po (kaph, literally, "palm," yadh, literally, "hand"): The former (kaph) is applied
to the soft paws of animals in contradistinction to the hoofs (Leviticus 11 ...
/p/paw.htm - 8k

Hollow (35 Occurrences)
... hol'-o (kaph, nabhabh): "Hollow" is the translation of kaph, "hollow" (Genesis
32:25, 32, "the hollow of his thigh," the hip-pan or socket, over the sciatic ...
/h/hollow.htm - 20k

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

/k/kanah.htm - 9k

Zebidah (1 Occurrence)
... Nereiou ek Rhama; here the name of the king's mother = Hebrew zekhurah, due to a
confusion of the Hebrew letter kaph (k) with the Hebrew letter beth (b), and ...
/z/zebidah.htm - 8k

Kar (1 Occurrence)

/k/kar.htm - 6k

Pineth (3 Occurrences)
... cry out unto the living God. (See JPS). Psalms 119:81 KAPH. My soul fainteth
for thy salvation; But I hope in thy word. (See JPS). ...
/p/pineth.htm - 7k

Palm (49 Occurrences)
... pam (kaph): The Hebrew word which is used in a variety of senses (see HAND; PAW)
is usually translated "hand" in English Versions of the Bible, but the ...
/p/palm.htm - 35k

Spoon (13 Occurrences)
... spoon (kaph; Septuagint thuiske, except in Jeremiah 52:18, where it is kreagra,
literally, "fork"): A hollow vessel, a censer; a small vessel in which incense ...
/s/spoon.htm - 10k

Hand (14438 Occurrences)
... 23. (vt) To furl; -- said of a sail. 24. (vi) To cooperate. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. HAND. (yadh, "hand"; kaph, "the hollow hand," "palm"; yamin, "the ...
/h/hand.htm - 27k

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