or (Amos 9:1) כַּפְתּוֹר; probably from an unused root meaning to encircle; a chaplet; but used only in an architectonic sense, i.e. the capital of acolumn, or a wreath-like button or disk on the candelabrum; knop, (upper) lintel.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kaphtôr**, represented by `{{H3730}}`, refers to an architectonic element, specifically a **knop** or **(upper) lintel**. It appears **18 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to describe a wreath-like button or disk, primarily in two contexts: as a decorative feature on the golden candelabrum and as a structural capital or lintel in buildings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3730}}` appears in two distinct architectural contexts. A majority of its occurrences are in the detailed instructions for crafting the golden **candlestick** (`{{H4501}}`) for the tabernacle. It is described as a **knop**, an ornamental and structural element made from **beaten work** (`{{H4749}}`) of **pure** (`{{H2889}}`) **gold** (`{{H2091}}`), placed alongside **bowls** (`{{H1375}}`) and **flowers** (`{{H6525}}`) on the candlestick's branches ([[Exodus 25:31]], [[Exodus 37:17]]). The specifications are precise, calling for a **knop** under every **two** (`{{H8147}}`) branches [[Exodus 25:35]]. In a different context, `{{H3730}}` refers to the **lintel** of a building. In a vision of judgment, the Lord (`{{H136}}`) commands the **lintel** to be struck so that the posts shake [[Amos 9:1]]. Similarly, in a prophecy of ruin, the **upper lintels** of a desolate city become a lodging place for the **cormorant** (`{{H6893}}`) and the **bittern** (`{{H7090}}`) [[Zephaniah 2:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and context of **kaphtôr**:
* `{{H4501}}` **mᵉnôwrâh** (candlestick): This is the object most frequently associated with `{{H3730}}`. The **knops** are integral decorative and structural components of the golden **candlestick** made for the tabernacle [[Exodus 25:31]].
* `{{H6525}}` **perach** (flower): This term appears in tandem with **kaphtôr** in the instructions for the candelabrum, often in the phrase "a knop and a flower," indicating they were paired design elements [[Exodus 25:33]].
* `{{H5592}}` **çaph** (post, threshold): In its architectural sense as a lintel, `{{H3730}}` is directly connected to other parts of a building's entrance. In a vision of judgment, striking the **lintel** (`{{H3730}}`) causes the **posts** (`{{H5592}}`) to shake [[Amos 9:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3730}}` is revealed in its distinct uses:
* **Divine Order and Sanctity:** The exhaustive detail regarding the placement and creation of the **knops** on the golden **candlestick** (`{{H4501}}`) highlights God's demand for specific and holy worship. The entire piece, including the **knops**, was to be fashioned from a single piece of **beaten work** (`{{H4749}}`) of **pure** (`{{H2889}}`) **gold** (`{{H2091}}`), symbolizing unity and perfection in God's presence [[Exodus 37:22]].
* **Target of Divine Judgment:** As an architectural **lintel**, `{{H3730}}` becomes a focal point for God's judgment. The Lord's command to **smite** (`{{H5221}}`) the **lintel** initiates a total collapse of the structure, signifying the destruction of a corrupt system from its very top [[Amos 9:1]].
* **Emblem of Complete Desolation:** In prophecies of ruin, the **upper lintels** are depicted as the lodging place for wild birds [[Zephaniah 2:14]]. This transforms a symbol of architectural achievement into an emblem of profound desolation and abandonment, where God has uncovered the **cedar work** (`{{H731}}`) and left the city to waste.
### Summary
In summary, **kaphtôr** `{{H3730}}` is a specific architectural term that functions both as an ornamental **knop** and a structural **lintel**. In the construction of the tabernacle's **candlestick**, it represents the divine blueprint for sacred objects, requiring purity and precision. In the prophetic writings, however, it serves as a powerful symbol. As a **lintel**, it is the point of impact for divine judgment that leads to total ruin and becomes a sign of utter desolation when a once-great structure is abandoned to the wild. The word illustrates how a simple physical object can carry profound theological weight, signifying either the beauty of holiness or the totality of divine wrath.
TRV