### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kaphtôr**, represented by `{{H3731}}`, refers to **Caphtor**, described as a wreath-shaped island and the original seat of the Philistines. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3731}}` is identified as the origin of the Philistines. The Lord, speaking through the prophet Amos, equates His act of bringing the Philistines (`{{H6430}}`) from **Caphtor** with bringing Israel (`{{H3478}}`) out of Egypt (`{{H4714}}`) [[Amos 9:7]]. This establishes a history of migration and conquest, as Deuteronomy records that the Caphtorims (`{{H3732}}`), who `came forth` (`{{H3318}}`) out of **Caphtor**, `destroyed` (`{{H8045}}`) the Avims (`{{H5761}}`) and took their land [[Deuteronomy 2:23]]. In Jeremiah's prophecy, the Philistines are called "the remnant (`{{H7611}}`) of the country (`{{H339}}`) of **Caphtor**," who are facing impending judgment from the Lord [[Jeremiah 47:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context to the identity and history associated with Caphtor:
* `{{H3732}}` **Kaphtôrîy** (a Caphtorite (collectively) or native of Caphtor): This term refers to the people from Caphtor, who are described as destroying the Avims and settling in their place [[Deuteronomy 2:23]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine): Scripture consistently identifies the Philistines as originating from Caphtor ([[Amos 9:7]], [[Jeremiah 47:4]]).
* `{{H339}}` **ʼîy** (properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island): This word is used to describe Caphtor in the phrase "the country of Caphtor" [[Jeremiah 47:4]], aligning with the base definition of Caphtor as an island.
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount)): This verb describes the divine action of the Lord who `brought up` the Philistines from Caphtor, paralleling the exodus of Israel from Egypt [[Amos 9:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3731}}` is significant in its portrayal of God's universal sovereignty.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Nations:** The explicit statement that the LORD `brought up` the Philistines from **Caphtor** just as He did Israel from Egypt demonstrates that His hand guides the history and movements of all peoples, not only His chosen nation [[Amos 9:7]].
* **Place of Origin and Conquest:** **Caphtor** serves as the definitive origin point for the Philistines. The people who `came forth` from there, the Caphtorims (`{{H3732}}`), are shown to be conquerors who `destroyed` the Avims and `dwelt` in their land, illustrating how God uses the migration of peoples to shape the historical landscape [[Deuteronomy 2:23]].
* **Identity and Judgment:** The Philistines are identified as the "remnant of the country of **Caphtor**" [[Jeremiah 47:4]]. This connection to their origin is highlighted even as they face divine judgment, showing that a people's history remains tied to them throughout their story.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3731}}` is not merely a place name but a key geographical marker tied to the identity and history of the Philistines. Its appearances in Scripture serve to illustrate a profound theological truth: the LORD's sovereign control extends over the migration, conquests, and destinies of all nations, positioning the story of Israel within a much broader narrative of divine oversight.
TRV