### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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