H3710 כֵּף kêph → ← H3721 כָּפַף kâphaph
3 languagesA hollow or cavity within a rock formation, particularly a cave or natural recess; by extension, a large rock mass characterized by a significant hollow or cleft. Primarily denotes a natural geological feature that provides shelter or concealment, but may at times refer more generally to a prominent rock or crag distinguished by its concave form.
Etymology
From the Hebrew root כ-פ-ף (כָּפַף, kafaf), meaning 'to bend, curve, bow'. 'כֵּף' is derived from this root, referring to a bent or curved form—here applied to a rock with a concave aspect such as a cave, hollow, or large rock with a recess.
Reflexes · not yet grouped by proto-form
| Language | Word | Meaning | Segmentation | Root |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinyarwanda | ikivu | hole, pit, cavity | -kiv- | |
| Kirundi | ikivu | hole, pit | -kiv- | |
| Luganda | kifu | hole, pit, cavity (less often 'cave') | fu |