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Καϊάφας

Kaïáphas

G2533 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Proper name designating an individual, specifically a notable high priest in early 1st-century Judea; refers to 'Caiaphas,' personal name attested in historical sources as Joseph, called Caiaphas; not a common noun, but exclusively a personal name in extant sources.

Semantic Range

(personal name) Caiaphas, Joseph Caiaphas; no attested use beyond designation of this individual in New Testament sources

Root / Etymology

Derived from an Aramaic or possibly Hebrew form; likely from Aramaic קָיָפָא (qayyāfā’), meaning 'rock' or 'hollow/stone;' ultimate etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Καϊάφας appears exclusively as a personal name in the Greek New Testament and associated literature, designating the high priest who presided in Jerusalem during the early 1st century CE, involved in the proceedings against Jesus as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and John. The name is not of Greek origin and is rare in Greek literature outside New Testament and early Christian texts. Josephus refers to him as 'Joseph, called Caiaphas.' The strong tradition of connecting the name with an Aramaic or Hebrew root suggests it was brought into Greek by transliteration. English translations render the name 'Caiaphas,' but this is simply a conventional spelling of the Greek and does not modify the underlying meaning. The name's exact original sense is obscure, likely linked to the Aramaic for 'rock' or a place feature; the meaning 'dell' is speculative and not well supported by linguistic evidence.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Chaldee origin; the dell; Caiaphas (i.e. Cajepha), an Israelite:--Caiaphas.

Root Family

Καϊάφας (Kaiaphas) — personal name, name of a high priest

Root Καϊάφας personal name, name of a high priest

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2533-01 Καϊάφα kaiapha N GEN M SG Caiaphas of Caiaphas Kaiaphas 4
G2533-03 Καϊάφας kaiaphas N NOM M SG Caiaphas Caiaphas Kaiaphas 3
G2533-02 Καϊάφαν kaiaphan N ACC M SG Caiaphas Caiaphas Kaiaphas 2

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2533-01 Matthew 26:3 Καϊάφα kaiapha N GEN M SG Caiaphas of Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-02 Matthew 26:57 Καϊάφαν kaiaphan N ACC M SG Caiaphas Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-01 Luke 3:2 Καϊάφα kaiapha N GEN M SG Caiaphas of Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-03 John 11:49 Καϊάφας kaiaphas N NOM M SG Caiaphas Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-01 John 18:13 Καϊάφα kaiapha N GEN M SG Caiaphas of Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-03 John 18:14 Καϊάφας kaiaphas N NOM M SG Caiaphas Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-02 John 18:24 Καϊάφαν kaiaphan N ACC M SG Caiaphas Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-01 John 18:28 Καϊάφα kaiapha N GEN M SG Caiaphas of Caiaphas Kaiaphas
G2533-03 Acts 4:6 Καϊάφας kaiaphas N NOM M SG Caiaphas Caiaphas Kaiaphas
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