צֶפֶת
𐤑𐤐𐤕
tsepheth
H6858 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An architectural term referring specifically to the capital or decorative topmost part of a pillar or column. By extension, may denote an ornamental feature crowning or encircling a structural element—particularly in temple or monumental construction. The sense consistently denotes the embellishment capping the uppermost end of a column.
Semantic Range
capital of a column, ornamental top of a pillar, decorative encircling element on a structural top
Root / Etymology
From the root צפת (uncertain; the root itself is otherwise unrepresented in Biblical Hebrew), likely related to a verb meaning 'to encircle' based on comparative Semitic evidence. The noun appears to be a denominal formation referring to something that encircles the top of a column. The precise root form is rare or unused in the Hebrew Bible.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צֶפֶת occurs in the context of descriptions of Israelite temple architecture (notably in 1 Kings 7:16,17,41,42, etc.), where it refers to the capitals atop the columns of Solomon's temple. The term's root is not directly attested elsewhere in Biblical Hebrew, which distinguishes it from more common architectural vocabulary. While standard English translations use 'capital' or 'chapiter,' these may not convey the term's potentially broader ornamental nuance. The description of temple furnishings in the monarchic period (First Temple) shows a specialized architectural lexicon, of which צֶפֶת is part. By the post-exilic period, Greek and later Aramaic terms sometimes replace or supplement this vocabulary. There are no theological implications to the term; later English translations that use 'chapiter' are reflecting a technical term rather than a cultural or religious identity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to encircle; a capital of a column; chapiter.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צפת (ṣ-p-t) — to encircle, to enclose, to crown
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6858-01 |
וְ/הַ/צֶּ֥פֶת | vehatsefet | HC/Td/Ncmsa |
and the capital | and the encircling capital | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6858-01 |
2 Chronicles 3:15 | וְ/הַ/צֶּ֥פֶת | vehatsefet | HC/Td/Ncmsa |
and the capital | and the encircling capital |