### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κεφαλίς (kephalís, `{{G2777}}`) is derived from κεφαλή (kephalē, `{{G2776}}`), meaning "head." Its literal sense refers to a "small head" or "knob." In the context of ancient manuscripts, this specifically denotes the knob at the end of the stick around which a papyrus or parchment scroll was rolled. By means of metonymy, where a characteristic part stands for the whole, κεφαλίς came to signify the "scroll" or "volume" itself. Thus, its primary semantic range in biblical usage is "roll of a book" or "volume."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κεφαλίς appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Hebrews 10:7]]. This verse is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Psalm 40:7]] (LXX [[Psalm 39:8]]). The Hebrew original of [[Psalm 40:7]] uses the phrase מְגִלַּת סֵפֶר (megillat sepher), which literally translates to "roll of a book" or "scroll of a book." The Septuagint renders this as ἐν κεφαλίδι βιβλίου (en kephalídi biblíou), "in the volume of the book."
In [[Hebrews 10:7]], the author attributes these words to Christ: "Then I said, 'Behold, I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, O God.'" The context in Hebrews is the superiority of Christ's perfect sacrifice over the Old Covenant animal sacrifices. The "volume of the book" refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly the prophetic writings that foretold the Messiah's coming and His mission. Christ's declaration signifies His pre-existent willingness and ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan as revealed in the sacred texts.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G2776}}` (kephalē):** The root word, meaning "head," from which κεφαλίς is derived, illustrating the physical origin of the term.
* **`{{G975}}` (biblion):** "Book" or "scroll." This term frequently accompanies κεφαλίς in the Septuagint (e.g., κεφαλίς βιβλίου) to form the complete phrase "volume of the book."
* **`{{H4039}}` (megillah):** The Hebrew equivalent for "scroll" or "roll," as found in [[Psalm 40:7]] and [[Jeremiah 36:2]]. The Septuagint's use of κεφαλίς to translate מְגִלָּה highlights the semantic equivalence in the context of written documents.
* **Divine Revelation and Prophecy:** The concept embodied by κεφαλίς is inextricably linked to God's written word and His pre-ordained plan. It speaks to the authoritative nature of Scripture as the repository of divine truth and prophecy concerning the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κεφαλίς in [[Hebrews 10:7]] is profound. It underscores several key doctrines:
1. **Christ's Pre-Incarnate Obedience and Divine Plan:** The phrase "in the volume of the book it is written of Me" points to the eternal purpose of God, conceived before creation, for His Son to accomplish redemption. Christ's coming was not an improvisation but the fulfillment of a divine blueprint, meticulously recorded in the prophetic Scriptures.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The use of κεφαλίς affirms the Old Testament as a book of prophecy, specifically concerning the Person and work of Jesus Christ. It asserts that the entire sweep of redemptive history, from prophetic utterance to historical fulfillment, is divinely orchestrated.
3. **The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture:** The "volume of the book" represents the authoritative and sufficient revelation of God's will. It is within these sacred writings that Christ's mission and purpose are declared, reinforcing the belief that Scripture bears witness to Him.
4. **Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice:** In the broader argument of Hebrews 10, Christ's willingness to do God's will, as recorded in the "volume of the book," is presented as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice, superior to the repeated, insufficient animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant. His obedience, as foretold, provides the definitive atonement for sin.
### Summary
κεφαλίς (kephalís, `{{G2777}}`), derived from κεφαλή (kephalē, `{{G2776}}`), literally means "knob" and by extension refers to a "scroll" or "volume." Its singular New Testament appearance in [[Hebrews 10:7]], quoting [[Psalm 40:7]] (LXX [[Psalm 39:8]]), is pivotal. In this context, "in the volume of the book" refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, which prophetically delineate God's will for the Messiah. Theologically, κεφαλίς profoundly emphasizes Christ's pre-ordained mission and perfect obedience to the Father's will, meticulously recorded in the divine revelation. It highlights the fulfillment of prophecy, the supreme authority of Scripture, and the efficacy of Christ's singular sacrifice in accomplishing God's eternal redemptive plan.
TRV