Κηφᾶς
Kēphâs
G2786 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Transliteration of an Aramaic nickname meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' applied to Simon, one of Jesus' disciples. In the New Testament, Κηφᾶς serves as an alternative name to Σίμων Πέτρος (Simon Peter), emphasizing the metaphorical attribute of stability or foundational character associated with Simon. The term reflects a personal designation rather than a general noun, and is used as a proper name or surname for the individual.
Semantic Range
personal name derived from 'rock' or 'stone'; nickname conveying firmness, steadfastness, or foundational quality; specifically designates Simon (known as Peter) in New Testament contexts
Root / Etymology
Greek borrowing and transliteration of the Aramaic כֵּיפָא (Kēfā’), 'rock, stone.' Related to the Hebrew noun כֵּף (kēf), 'rock' or 'cliff.' The Greek Πέτρος is a translation of the same concept. The usage in Greek preserves the sounds of the original Aramaic, indicating a nickname or surname.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Κηφᾶς is found in the New Testament as a designation for Simon, who is also called Πέτρος. The Aramaic original reflects spoken language in the region of Judea and Galilee during the first century CE. The term does not occur in pre-Christian Greek literature and is limited in Greek sources to Christian texts. In the Septuagint, the Aramaic term for 'rock' is not directly transliterated. The English tradition aligns 'Cephas' with 'Peter' but may obscure the original Aramaic setting and its connotations. The use of Κηφᾶς alongside Πέτρος in the New Testament underscores the bilingual and multicultural setting of early followers of Jesus and distinguishes Simon within his community.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Chaldee origin (compare כֵּף); the Rock; Cephas (i.e. Kepha), a surname of Peter:--Cephas.
Root Family
Κηφᾶς (Kēphas) — rock, stone (as personal nickname)
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2786-03 |
Κηφᾶς | kephas | N NOM M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas | 5 |
G2786-01 |
Κηφᾶ | kepha | N GEN M SG |
Cephas | of Kepha | Kephas | 3 |
G2786-02 |
Κηφᾶν | kephan | N ACC M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2786-03 |
John 1:42 | Κηφᾶς | kephas | N NOM M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas |
G2786-01 |
1 Corinthians 1:12 | Κηφᾶ | kepha | N GEN M SG |
of Cephas | of Kepha | Kephas |
G2786-03 |
1 Corinthians 3:22 | Κηφᾶς | kephas | N NOM M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas |
G2786-03 |
1 Corinthians 9:5 | Κηφᾶς | kephas | N NOM M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas |
G2786-01 |
1 Corinthians 15:5 | Κηφᾷ | kepha | N DAT M SG |
Cephas | of Kepha | Kephas |
G2786-02 |
Galatians 1:18 | Κηφᾶν | kephan | N ACC M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas |
G2786-03 |
Galatians 2:9 | Κηφᾶς | kephas | N NOM M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas |
G2786-03 |
Galatians 2:11 | Κηφᾶς | kephas | N NOM M SG |
Cephas | Rock | Kephas |
G2786-01 |
Galatians 2:14 | Κηφᾷ | kepha | N DAT M SG |
Peter | of Kepha | Kephas |