from an unused root meaning to connect; a girder; beam.
Transliteration:kâphîyç
Pronunciation:kaw-fece'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כָּפִיס (kâphîyç), Strong's number `{{H3714}}`, derives from an unused root signifying "to connect" or "to join." Its primary and singular literal meaning is a "girder" or "beam." This refers specifically to a structural element in construction, typically a horizontal timber or support, designed to bear weight and bridge spaces, thereby connecting different parts of a building. The semantic range is quite narrow, confined to this architectural component, emphasizing its function of support, stability, and integration within a larger structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple:
* [[1 Kings 6:9]]: "So he built the house and finished it; and he covered the house with beams (כָּפִיס) and boards of cedar."
In this sole occurrence, כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) specifically denotes the "beams" used in the roofing or upper structure of the Temple. The context is highly significant, as it describes the meticulous craftsmanship and the use of premium materials, such as cedar, in the erection of the sacred dwelling place for Yahweh. The mention of כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) alongside "boards" indicates its role as a key structural component, providing the necessary support and integrity for the Temple's roof. This precise architectural detail underscores the thoroughness of the biblical narrative concerning the Temple's construction, highlighting the importance of every element in the edifice dedicated to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
While the root of כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) is unused, its inherent meaning of "connection" links it conceptually to broader themes of joining and structural integrity. In the architectural lexicon of the Old Testament, כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) stands alongside other terms for building components:
* `{{H6982}}` (qôrâh): A more general term for "beam" or "rafter," often used for roof timbers.
* `{{H5262}}` (nesîkhâh): Another word referring to a "joist" or "beam," also indicating a structural support.
* Concepts of "foundation," "support," "stability," and "dwelling" are all intimately related to the function of a כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) within a building. The word contributes to the overall vocabulary describing the physical manifestation of sacred space and the detailed planning involved in its creation.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) within the context of the Temple's construction imbues it with profound theological significance. The Temple was not merely a building but the designated earthly dwelling place for God's presence among His people. The meticulous description of its components, including the specific "beams" (כָּפִיס), reflects:
* **Divine Order and Excellence:** God's demand for precision, order, and the highest quality in the structures dedicated to Him. Every part, no matter how seemingly mundane, contributes to the integrity and sacredness of the whole. The use of durable materials like cedar for these beams speaks to the permanence and glory intended for God's habitation.
* **Support and Stability of God's Dwelling:** As structural elements, beams provide essential support and stability. Theologically, this can be seen as a subtle pointer to God as the ultimate source of support and stability for His covenant people and for His presence among them. The physical integrity of the Temple, ensured by components like the כָּפִיס (kâphîyç), mirrors the spiritual steadfastness of God's promises.
* **Human Craftsmanship in Divine Service:** The construction of the Temple, involving skilled artisans and specific materials, highlights the dedication of human labor and resources to the service and glory of God. Even a structural beam, though not explicitly symbolic, plays an indispensable role in completing the sacred space where God's glory would reside.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כָּפִיס (kâphîyç), transliterated as kâphîyç, denotes a "girder" or "beam," stemming from an unused root implying "connection." Its sole biblical appearance in [[1 Kings 6:9]] places it within the detailed account of Solomon's Temple construction, where it refers to the cedar beams used in the roof. This specific usage underscores the structural integrity and meticulous craftsmanship involved in building God's dwelling place. Theologically, כָּפִיס (kâphîyç) subtly contributes to themes of divine order, the stability of God's presence, and the dedication of human skill to sacred purposes, emphasizing that every component, however small, is vital to the whole of God's grand design.
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