from כָּפַר; a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane); (young) lion, village. Compare כָּפָר.
Transliteration:kᵉphîyr
Pronunciation:kef-eer'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3715 (כְּפִיר, kᵉphîyr) carries a fascinating dual semantic range, deriving from the root כָּפַר (kāphar, `{{H3722}}`), which primarily signifies "to cover" or "to atone." This root connection provides insight into both primary meanings of H3715.
Firstly, kᵉphîyr denotes a "young lion" or "lion's cub." This usage is often understood in light of the root's "covering" aspect, perhaps referring to the young lion's nascent mane that begins to cover its neck, or its predatory nature to "cover" or overwhelm its prey. A young lion, while not yet fully mature, possesses immense strength, ferocity, and potential for dominance, embodying vigor and danger.
Secondly, kᵉphîyr can refer to a "village" or "hamlet." In this context, the connection to כָּפַר (kāphar, `{{H3722}}`) likely points to a settlement "covered" or protected by walls, or a place of shelter and covering for its inhabitants. This meaning is closely related to כָּפָר (kāphār, `{{H3723}}`), which explicitly means "village." While seemingly disparate, both meanings can be traced back to the concept of "covering" – either a covering of hair/prey for the lion, or a covering of walls/shelter for the village. The "young lion" meaning is far more prevalent in biblical texts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of H3715 as a "young lion" predominates in the Old Testament, appearing in various contexts to denote strength, ferocity, and often, danger.
* **Strength and Dominance:** Perhaps the most iconic use is in Jacob's blessing of Judah: "Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?" [[Genesis 49:9]]. Here, kᵉphîyr describes Judah's formidable power and future royal lineage, foreshadowing the Davidic dynasty.
* **Predatory Threat:** The term frequently illustrates the destructive power of enemies or the wicked. In [[Psalm 17:12]], the psalmist describes his foes as "like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush." Similarly, [[Psalm 91:13]] speaks of treading on the "young lion and the serpent," symbolizing victory over dangerous adversaries. Job's lament includes vivid imagery of the lion's strength and the fate of its young: "The lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered" [[Job 4:11]].
* **Divine Judgment:** kᵉphîyr is also employed to convey God's fierce judgment. In [[Hosea 13:8]], the Lord declares, "I will meet them like a bear robbed of her cubs; I will tear open their breast, and there I will devour them like a lion; as a wild beast would tear them." This depicts the swift and devastating nature of divine wrath.
* **Literal Beast:** In a few instances, kᵉphîyr refers literally to a young lion, such as in the account of Daniel in the lions' den, where the king's decree leads to him being cast into a pit with "lions" (plural of H738, but context implies their presence) or in passages like [[Isaiah 31:4]], where the Lord descends to fight for Mount Zion "as a young lion growls over his prey."
The usage of H3715 as "village" is far less common and typically appears in lists of settlements, often as part of a proper noun. For example, [[Joshua 18:24]] mentions "Chephar-ammoni" (כְּפַר הָעַמֹּנִי), which translates to "village of the Ammonites." Similarly, [[Nehemiah 6:2]] references "Chephirim" (כְּפִירִים), indicating a specific place. In these instances, the word functions as a geographical descriptor rather than a rich metaphor.
### Related Words & Concepts
H3715 (כְּפִיר, kᵉphîyr) is part of a semantic field related to lions and settlements, while also sharing an etymological root with words concerning "covering."
* **Root כָּפַר (kāphar, `{{H3722}}`):** This is the foundational root for kᵉphîyr, meaning "to cover, to atone, to make propitiation." The dual meanings of kᵉphîyr (young lion/village) are both linked to this concept of "covering" – whether a lion's mane, its overwhelming of prey, or a village's protective walls. This etymological link highlights a common conceptual thread despite the disparate surface meanings.
* **כָּפָר (kāphār, `{{H3723}}`):** This noun specifically means "village" or "hamlet." Its close phonetic and semantic proximity to kᵉphîyr when referring to a village suggests a shared origin and reinforces this particular meaning of H3715.
* **Other Hebrew words for "lion":**
* אַרְיֵה (aryeh, `{{H738}}`): The most common and general term for "lion."
* לָבִיא (lavi', `{{H3833}}`): Often refers to a "lioness" or a strong, mature lion.
* לַיִשׁ (layish, `{{H3918}}`): Denotes a "mature lion" or "old lion," emphasizing its strength and experience.
* שַׁחַל (shaḥal, `{{H7826}}`): Another poetic term for a "lion," often conveying its fierceness.
kᵉphîyr distinguishes itself by specifically referring to a *young* lion, often implying an untamed vigor, potential for growth, or a particular stage of predatory power. It often carries a connotation of youthful strength and untamed ferocity.
### Theological Significance
The primary theological significance of H3715 stems from its dominant usage as a "young lion," a powerful symbol in biblical theology.
* **Messianic and Royal Power:** The blessing of Judah in [[Genesis 49:9]] is profoundly significant. By likening Judah to a "young lion," the text foreshadows the strength, sovereignty, and regal authority that would emerge from this tribe, culminating in the Davidic monarchy and ultimately in Jesus Christ, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([[Revelation 5:5]], though a Greek text, it draws on this Old Testament imagery). This imagery conveys unyielding power, protection, and kingship.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** God is sometimes depicted with leonine qualities, not in form, but in action. When God acts in judgment, as in [[Hosea 13:8]], the imagery of the kᵉphîyr conveys His irresistible power and the terrifying certainty of His wrath against sin and rebellion. This portrays God's absolute authority and the consequences of defying Him.
* **The Nature of Evil and Adversity:** The "young lion" also serves as a potent metaphor for the forces of evil, human oppressors, or spiritual adversaries. The psalmist's prayer for deliverance from those who are "like a lion eager to tear" ([[Psalm 17:12]]) underscores the destructive and predatory nature of sin and wickedness. This imagery highlights the constant vigilance required in spiritual warfare, as exemplified by the New Testament warning about the devil prowling "like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour" ([[1 Peter 5:8]], though using G3023, the imagery resonates deeply with Old Testament lion symbolism).
* **Trust in God's Protection:** Conversely, the ability to "tread on the young lion and the serpent" ([[Psalm 91:13]]) speaks to the divine protection afforded to those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. It signifies God's power to grant victory over formidable dangers, both physical and spiritual.
The "village" meaning of H3715 holds less direct theological weight, primarily serving a geographical purpose. However, in a broader sense, it speaks to the human need for community, security, and dwelling, which are themselves aspects of God's provision and order.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3715 (כְּפִיר, kᵉphîyr) is a rich term with a dual semantic range, rooted in the concept of "covering." While occasionally referring to a "village" (as a covered or walled settlement), its predominant and most theologically significant meaning is that of a "young lion."
As a "young lion," kᵉphîyr powerfully symbolizes untamed strength, ferocity, and potential. It is used to describe the formidable power of the tribe of Judah, foreshadowing the Messianic king, and to depict the destructive force of enemies or the unwavering nature of divine judgment. The imagery evokes a creature of immense power, whether for protection or for devastation. The distinction from other Hebrew words for "lion" lies in its emphasis on youthful vigor and emerging power.
In summary, kᵉphîyr contributes significantly to the biblical landscape of metaphor, painting vivid pictures of both human and divine strength, the perils of evil, and the ultimate triumph of God's protective and sovereign hand.
TRV