The Hebrew word kephel, represented by H3718, means a duplicate; double. It is a rare term, appearing only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Despite its infrequent use, it carries significant weight, often used to describe a measure of consequence, inscrutable wisdom, or formidable strength.
In its biblical contexts, H3718 is applied in distinct ways. In Isaiah, it is used to signify that a full payment has been made, stating that Jerusalem has received double for all her sins, and her iniquity is pardoned Isaiah 40:2. In the book of Job, the word describes the profound nature of wisdom, which is said to be double to that which is, while also noting that God exacts less punishment than iniquity deserves Job 11:6. A third, more metaphorical use appears in Job to describe the immense power of a creature that cannot be approached with a double bridle Job 41:13.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which kephel is found:
- H5771 ʻâvôn (perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin): This term for iniquity is directly linked to H3718 in passages concerning divine justice. It is the iniquity for which a payment is measured or from which God mercifully exacts less than is deserved Job 11:6.
- H2403 chaṭṭâʼâh (an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender; punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering)): This word for sin is used to quantify what is being paid for, as when Jerusalem receives double for all her sins Isaiah 40:2.
- H5382 nâshâh (a primitive root; to forget; figuratively, to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove; forget, deprive, exact): This root, meaning to exact or remit, appears alongside H3718 to frame God's judgment, where He exacteth less than a person's iniquity merits Job 11:6.
The theological weight of H3718 is centered on concepts of divine justice, wisdom, and power.
- Measure of Consequence: The word is used to quantify a complete payment for wrongdoing. In Isaiah, Jerusalem receives double for her sins, signifying that a sufficient consequence has been rendered and her iniquity is now pardoned Isaiah 40:2.
- Profound Depth: Kephel is used to describe the vastness of divine wisdom, which is double what can be easily understood. This is immediately contrasted with God's mercy, as He exacteth less punishment than a person's iniquity deserves Job 11:6.
- Symbol of Impenetrable Strength: The term is used metaphorically to describe the "double bridle" of a mighty creature, highlighting a level of defense or control that is impossible for man to overcome Job 41:13.
In summary, H3718 is more than a simple numerical term. Though used sparingly, kephel serves as a powerful descriptor in scripture. It functions as a theological measure for concepts that are otherwise difficult to quantify: the completeness of a payment for sin, the profound depth of God's wisdom, and the insurmountable nature of divine power.
TRV