Koph
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Koph is the nineteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds a significant place in the Hebrew language and biblical literature. In the Hebrew script, Koph is represented by the symbol ק and has a numerical value of 100. The letter is pronounced as "k" or "q," depending on its usage and context within words.

Biblical Significance

Koph appears in the acrostic structure of Psalm 119, where each section is dedicated to a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 119:145-152 is the section corresponding to Koph. This psalm is a profound meditation on the law of the Lord, emphasizing the psalmist's devotion and longing for God's commandments. The Berean Standard Bible translates this section as follows:

"I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will obey Your statutes. I call to You; save me, that I may keep Your testimonies. I rise before dawn and cry for help; in Your word I have put my hope. My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word. Hear my voice, O LORD, according to Your loving devotion; give me life according to Your justice. Those who pursue evil plans draw near; they are far from Your law. You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are true. Long ago I learned from Your testimonies that You have established them forever." (Psalm 119:145-152)

In this passage, the psalmist expresses a deep yearning for God's presence and guidance, highlighting the importance of divine statutes and testimonies. The use of Koph in this acrostic poem underscores the completeness and order of God's law, as each letter of the Hebrew alphabet is used to convey the fullness of the psalmist's devotion.

Linguistic and Symbolic Aspects

In Hebrew, the letter Koph is often associated with concepts of holiness and sanctity. The word "kadosh" (קָדוֹשׁ), meaning "holy," begins with the letter Koph, reflecting the letter's connection to themes of purity and separation unto God. This association is significant in understanding the biblical call to holiness, as seen in passages such as Leviticus 19:2, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy.

Koph also symbolizes the idea of reaching or striving, as its shape in the ancient script resembles a hand reaching upwards. This imagery aligns with the biblical theme of seeking God and aspiring to live according to His will, as demonstrated in the psalmist's earnest prayers and meditations in Psalm 119.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, Koph invites reflection on the nature of God's law and the believer's response to it. The psalmist's cries for help and commitment to God's commandments illustrate the dynamic relationship between divine grace and human responsibility. The letter Koph, with its numerical value of 100, can also symbolize completeness and perfection, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the believer's hope in His eternal truth.

In summary, Koph serves as a reminder of the holiness and perfection of God's law, the believer's call to pursue righteousness, and the assurance of God's nearness and faithfulness. Through the lens of Koph, one can appreciate the depth and richness of the biblical text and its enduring relevance for the life of faith.
Library

Koph.
... St. Augustin on the Psalms. Koph. 143. ...He who singeth this Psalm,
mentioneth such a prayer of his own: "I have called with my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/koph.htm

Psalm 119 Koph, the 19Th Part.
... Psalm 119 Koph, The 19th Part. 8,6,8,6. ^145With my whole heart I cry'd, Lord,
hear; I will thy word obey. ^146I cry'd to thee; save me, and I. ...
/.../anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 119 koph the 19th.htm

Exposition on the Book of Psalms
... Teth. Jod. Caph. Lamed. Mem. Nun. Samech. Ain. Pe. Tadze. Koph. Resch. Schin. Tau.
Psalm CXX. Psalm CXXI. Psalm CXXII. Psalm CXXIII. Psalm CXXIV. Psalm CXXV. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/

Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases
... Psalm 119 Pe, The 17th Part. Psalm 119 Tzaddi, The 18th Part. Psalm 119 Koph, The
19th Part. Psalm 119 Resh, The 20th Part. Psalm 119 Schin, The 21st Part. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/

The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. <. ...
/.../chapter ii the theology of st.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. <. ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm

Thesaurus
Koph (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Koph (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:145 <KOPH> I have made
my prayer with all my heart; give answer to me, O Lord: I will keep your rules. ...
/k/koph.htm - 6k

Konae

/k/konae.htm - 6k

Kor (1 Occurrence)

/k/kor.htm - 6k

Decrees (131 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 119:145 <KOPH> I have made my prayer with all my heart; give answer
to me, O Lord: I will keep your rules. (See NIV). Continued... ...
/d/decrees.htm - 36k

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