a primitive root; properly, to bend, i.e. (figuratively) to tame or subdue; pacify.
Transliteration:kâphâh
Pronunciation:kaw-faw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3711 (כָּפָה, *kâphâh*) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the physical act of "to bend." From this literal sense, its semantic range expands metaphorically to encompass the concepts of "to tame," "to subdue," and "to pacify." The underlying idea is one of bringing something under control, shaping it, or compelling it into a desired state or posture. This can apply to an object being physically manipulated (bent, shaped) or a living entity being brought into submission or a state of peace. The transition from physical bending to abstract control highlights an exertion of power or influence over another, resulting in conformity or quietude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H3711 (כָּפָה, *kâphâh*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the book of Job:
* **[[Job 33:6]]**: "Behold, I am toward God as you are; I too was pinched off from the clay." (ESV)
* In this sole occurrence, Elihu addresses Job, asserting a shared human origin before God. The phrase "I too was pinched off from the clay" utilizes *kâphâh*. While the immediate English translation might not intuitively suggest "bending" or "subduing," the underlying Hebrew root provides a profound nuance. The act of forming humanity from clay inherently involves bending, pressing, and shaping the raw material. In this sense, the clay is "subdued" or "tamed" by the divine hand, molded from an unformed state into a specific, living form. This usage underscores God's absolute sovereignty and creative power over His creation, shaping and molding humanity from the dust of the ground (cf. [[Genesis 2:7]]). Elihu emphasizes that just as Job was formed by God, so too was he, placing both men in a humble position of creatureliness before the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H3711 is rare, its semantic field connects with several other Hebrew terms that describe divine action, human agency, or states of being:
* **Formation/Creation**: The act of shaping from clay resonates with `{{H3335}}` (יָצַר, *yāṣar*), "to form" or "to fashion," frequently used for God's creation of humanity (e.g., [[Genesis 2:7]]). Both words highlight the deliberate, skilled work of the Creator.
* **Subduing/Dominion**: The concept of "subduing" or "taming" finds parallels in `{{H3533}}` (כָּבַשׁ, *kāvaš*), "to subdue," "to bring into bondage," often used in the context of human dominion over the earth ([[Genesis 1:28]]) or conquest. While H3711 in [[Job 33:6]] applies to the shaping of inert matter, the underlying principle of bringing something under control is shared.
* **Pacification/Rest**: The idea of "pacifying" relates to `{{H7999}}` (שָׁלַם, *šālam*), "to be complete," "to be at peace," or `{{H5117}}` (נוּחַ, *nûaḥ*), "to rest," "to settle." While *kâphâh* implies an active process of bringing to peace through control, these words describe the resulting state.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of H3711 in [[Job 33:6]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and creative power. The image of God "bending" or "shaping" humanity from clay emphasizes several key doctrines:
1. **Divine Craftsmanship**: God is portrayed as the ultimate artisan, meticulously forming human beings from the most basic material. This highlights His intentionality, wisdom, and skill in creation.
2. **Human Creatureliness**: The word underscores humanity's humble origin and dependence on the Creator. We are not self-made but are, in essence, "bent" and "shaped" by God, emphasizing our status as created beings rather than autonomous entities.
3. **God's Authority**: The act of subduing the clay into a specific form speaks to God's unquestionable authority over all matter and life. He has the right and power to mold and direct His creation according to His divine will.
4. **Implication for Suffering**: In the context of Job's suffering, Elihu's use of this word implies that just as God shaped Job from clay, He retains the right to mold and refine him through trials. It subtly points to God's sovereign control even over the difficult circumstances of life, working His purposes through all things.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H3711 (כָּפָה, *kâphâh*), though appearing only once in [[Job 33:6]], offers profound insight into divine action. Its core meaning of "to bend" extends to "to tame," "to subdue," and "to pacify," conveying the active process of bringing something into a desired form or state of control. In its singular biblical usage, it describes God's act of forming humanity from clay, emphasizing His ultimate sovereignty, creative power, and the inherent creatureliness of humankind. This rare but potent word serves as a theological anchor, reminding us that we are intricately "shaped" by the hand of our Creator.
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