### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Κηφᾶς (Kēphâs), transliterated as Cephas, is a proper noun of Chaldee (Aramaic) origin. Its root is *kēph* (כֵּף), which directly translates to "rock" or "stone." Thus, the core meaning of Κηφᾶς is "The Rock." As a surname given to Simon, it functions primarily as a designation of identity, yet its inherent meaning carries significant semantic weight, pointing to qualities of solidity, stability, and foundational strength. It is functionally synonymous with the Greek name Πέτρος (Petros, `{{G4074}}`), which also means "stone" or "rock."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Κηφᾶς is exclusively used in the New Testament to refer to the apostle Simon, who is more widely known by his Greek name, Peter.
* **Gospel of John:** The first instance of this naming occurs in [[John 1:42]], where Andrew brings his brother Simon to Jesus. Jesus looks at him and says, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas (which, when translated, means Peter)." This foundational moment establishes the divine origin of the name and its direct equivalence to Peter, setting the stage for Simon's future role.
* **Pauline Epistles:** The apostle Paul frequently uses the name Cephas when referring to Peter in his letters, indicating that this Aramaic designation was well-known and recognized within the early Christian communities, particularly among Jewish Christians.
* In [[1 Corinthians 1:12]] and [[1 Corinthians 3:22]], Cephas is mentioned alongside Paul and Apollos, highlighting his prominence as a leader in the early church, around whom factions regrettably formed.
* [[1 Corinthians 9:5]] refers to Cephas as an example of an apostle with the right to take a believing wife, further underscoring his established apostolic status.
* Perhaps most significantly, [[1 Corinthians 15:5]] states that the resurrected Christ "appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve," placing Peter as the first individual witness to the resurrection among the apostles, thereby emphasizing his unique spiritual authority and experience.
* In [[Galatians 1:18]], Paul recounts his initial visit to Jerusalem to see Cephas, spending fifteen days with him, indicating Cephas's central role in the Jerusalem church.
* [[Galatians 2:9]] describes Cephas, James, and John as "pillars" of the church, recognizing their leadership and authority.
* The well-known confrontation in [[Galatians 2:11]] details Paul's public rebuke of Cephas in Antioch over his withdrawal from eating with Gentile believers. This incident, while showing a disagreement, still affirms Cephas's significant influence and leadership within the early Christian movement.
The consistent use of both "Cephas" and "Peter" for the same individual reinforces the significance of the "rock" metaphor and the interchangeability of his names across linguistic contexts in the early church.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Πέτρος (Petros, `{{G4074}}`):** The Greek equivalent of Κηφᾶς, meaning "stone" or "rock." This is the more prevalent name for Simon in the Gospels and Acts. The naming in [[Matthew 16:18]], "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church," is crucial for understanding the theological implications of the name.
* **Πέτρα (Petra, `{{G4073}}`):** The Greek word for a large rock, bedrock, or cliff. In [[Matthew 16:18]], Jesus uses this term to refer to the "rock" upon which he will build his church, creating a profound wordplay with Peter's name and its Aramaic equivalent, Cephas.
* **כֵּף (Kēph):** The Aramaic root from which Κηφᾶς is derived. While not a direct Hebrew Strong's number, it is cognate to Hebrew words for rock like *tsur* (צוּר, `{{H6697}}`) or *sela* (סֶלַע, `{{H5553}}`), emphasizing the concept of a firm, stable foundation.
* **Foundation:** The biblical concept of a "rock" as a secure foundation for building (e.g., [[Matthew 7:24-25]]) is intrinsically linked to the meaning of Cephas/Peter.
### Theological Significance
The name Κηφᾶς carries profound theological significance, primarily due to its divine origin and the role of the individual it designates:
* **Divine Renaming and Identity:** Jesus' act of renaming Simon to Cephas/Peter is a transformative event, signifying a new identity and a divinely appointed purpose. It is not merely a descriptive nickname but a prophetic declaration of his future role and character.
* **Foundational Role in the Church:** The appellation "Rock" points to Peter's unique and foundational role in the establishment and early leadership of the Christian church. While Christ himself is the ultimate cornerstone ([[Ephesians 2:20]]), Peter, as the first to confess Jesus as the Messiah ([[Matthew 16:16]]) and the first to whom the resurrected Christ appeared among the apostles, is given a special commission to strengthen his brothers ([[Luke 22:32]]) and shepherd Christ's flock ([[John 21:15-17]]). The "rock" upon which the church is built in [[Matthew 16:18]] is understood by various traditions as referring to Peter's confession, his apostolic authority, or Peter himself as the initial leader among the apostles.
* **Steadfastness and Reliability:** The imagery of a rock conveys qualities of steadfastness, reliability, and strength. Despite his human failings and moments of wavering faith (e.g., his denial of Jesus, [[Matthew 26:69-75]]), Peter ultimately emerged as a pillar of unwavering conviction and a courageous leader.
* **Apostolic Authority and Unity:** Paul's frequent use of "Cephas" in his letters, especially when discussing the authority of the apostles and the structure of the early church, underscores Peter's widely recognized and respected authority. The interchangeability of "Cephas" and "Peter" also subtly highlights the unity of the early Christian message and community across linguistic and cultural divides.
### Summary
Κηφᾶς (Kēphâs), transliterated as Cephas, is an Aramaic name meaning "The Rock," given by Jesus to Simon, son of John. This name is the direct equivalent of the Greek name Πέτρος (Petros, `{{G4074}}`). Primarily found in the Gospel of John and the Pauline Epistles, its consistent application to the apostle Peter underscores his foundational role in the early church. The divine naming of Simon as "the Rock" signifies a new identity and purpose, pointing to his future as a steadfast leader and a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Christian community. Despite his human weaknesses, Cephas embodies the qualities of stability, strength, and unwavering faith, serving as a pivotal apostle and a recognized pillar in the nascent church.
TRV