a primitive root; to fold together; figuratively, to repeat; double.
Transliteration:kâphal
Pronunciation:kaw-fal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H3717}}` *kâphal* is a primitive root, indicating a foundational meaning from which its semantic range develops. Its core meaning is "to fold together," implying a physical action of bringing two or more parts into close proximity, often overlapping or superimposing them. From this literal sense, the meaning extends figuratively to "to repeat" or "to double." This extension is logical, as folding often results in a doubling of thickness or appearance, and repetition is a form of doubling an action or event. Therefore, the semantic range of *kâphal* encompasses both a simple physical act and a more abstract concept of increase, intensification, or completion, often in a twofold manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the root `{{H3717}}` *kâphal* itself is rare in its verbal form, its derivatives are significant. The noun *kephel* (`{{H3718}}`) and the adverbial/adjective form *kiplayim* (`{{H3719}}`) are the primary ways this concept appears in the biblical text.
* In [[Job 11:6]], Zophar speaks of God's wisdom as "double to that which is," using *kiplayim*. This signifies an overwhelming profundity and complexity of divine wisdom, far exceeding human comprehension. It suggests an abundance or an intricate, manifold nature.
* [[Job 41:13]] describes Leviathan with a "double bridle" (using *kephel*). This refers to the formidable strength or reinforced nature of its harness, suggesting immense power and resistance, perhaps implying a folded or layered construction for durability.
* The prophetic books offer crucial theological contexts. In [[Isaiah 40:2]], Jerusalem is comforted with the declaration that "she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins." Here, *kiplayim* indicates a full and complete measure of judgment or suffering endured for iniquity. It signifies that the period of punishment is finished, not necessarily twice the amount of sin, but a thorough and decisive recompense.
* Similarly, [[Jeremiah 16:18]] states, "And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double." This reinforces the idea of a comprehensive and just divine judgment, ensuring that the consequences for defiling the land are fully met.
* Conversely, [[Zechariah 9:12]] offers a promise of restoration: "Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee." In this context, *kiplayim* signifies an abundant and overflowing blessing, a compensatory return that far exceeds the past suffering or loss. It points to God's gracious provision and restoration after a period of affliction.
These occurrences highlight that "double" does not always mean precisely "twice the amount" but rather a full, complete, or intensified measure, whether in judgment or blessing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary direct derivatives of `{{H3717}}` *kâphal* are the noun *kephel* (`{{H3718}}`), meaning "double" or "fold," and the adverbial/adjective form *kiplayim* (`{{H3719}}`), meaning "double" or "twofold." These are the forms predominantly encountered in the biblical text.
Thematically, *kâphal* connects with concepts of:
* **Reduplication and Intensification:** It implies an increase or a heightened degree of something.
* **Completeness and Fullness:** Particularly in the context of divine recompense, "double" often signifies a completed measure, leaving no debt unpaid or no blessing unbestowed.
* **Justice and Recompense:** The concept of receiving a full and just return for actions, whether positive or negative.
* **Abundance and Overflow:** Especially in prophetic promises of restoration, it speaks of a generous and superabundant provision.
While other Hebrew words like *shenayim* (`{{H8147}}`, "two") or *tsemed* (`{{H6789}}`, "pair") denote duality, *kâphal* carries the nuance of multiplication, folding, or intensification that results in a comprehensive or overwhelming measure, rather than simple numerical count.
### Theological Significance
The word *kâphal* and its derivatives carry profound theological weight, revealing facets of God's character and His dealings with humanity:
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** In passages like [[Isaiah 40:2]] and [[Jeremiah 16:18]], the "double" signifies the thoroughness and completeness of God's judgment upon sin. It underscores God's unwavering righteousness and the certainty that He will fully address iniquity. This "doubling" is not arbitrary but a just and proportionate recompense, ensuring that the full measure of consequences for disobedience is met. It speaks to the seriousness with which God views sin and His commitment to upholding His holy standard.
* **Divine Restoration and Abundance:** Conversely, [[Zechariah 9:12]] powerfully illustrates God's gracious character. The promise to "render double" to the "prisoners of hope" reveals that God's restoration often far exceeds the prior suffering or loss. It signifies a compensatory blessing, demonstrating His overflowing love, mercy, and power to redeem and lavishly restore His people. This "doubling" points to God's capacity to transform adversity into an opportunity for greater blessing, showcasing His redemptive purposes.
* **God's Incomprehensible Wisdom and Power:** In the book of Job, the concept of "double" (e.g., [[Job 11:6]], [[Job 41:13]]) points to the immeasurable depth of God's wisdom and the formidable, uncontainable power of His creation. It highlights the transcendence of God, whose attributes and works are beyond human comprehension and challenge.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Ultimately, the use of *kâphal* in both judgment and blessing contexts affirms God's absolute sovereignty. He is the one who determines the measure of recompense and the extent of restoration, demonstrating His complete control over all outcomes and His ability to bring His perfect will to fruition.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H3717}}` *kâphal*, meaning "to fold together" and figuratively "to double" or "to repeat," is primarily encountered in its derivatives, *kephel* (`{{H3718}}`) and *kiplayim* (`{{H3719}}`). These terms denote a full, complete, and often intensified measure. Theologically, *kâphal* illuminates critical aspects of God's character. In contexts of judgment, such as [[Isaiah 40:2]] and [[Jeremiah 16:18]], "double" signifies a thorough and just recompense for sin, highlighting God's unwavering righteousness. Conversely, in promises of restoration, as seen in [[Zechariah 9:12]], it portrays an abundant and overflowing blessing, demonstrating God's compensatory grace and His power to restore beyond measure. Furthermore, in passages like [[Job 11:6]] and [[Job 41:13]], it speaks to the immeasurable depth of divine wisdom and the formidable power of creation. Thus, *kâphal* serves as a powerful descriptor of God's comprehensive sovereignty, executing both His perfect justice and His boundless mercy.
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