κεφάλαιον

the chief matter, a sum of money

Definition

The Greek word κεφάλαιον (kephalaion) carries two primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it denotes 'the main point' or 'chief matter,' as seen in Hebrews 8:1, where it summarizes the central argument about Christ's high priesthood. Second, it refers to 'a sum of money' or 'capital,' as used in Acts 22:28, where a Roman commander mentions acquiring his citizenship for a large sum. Both senses derive from the idea of something that is primary or of greatest importance, whether in an argument or in financial value.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, each time with a distinct meaning. In Hebrews 8:1, it is used abstractly to refer to 'the main point' of the author's theological discourse. In Acts 22:28, it is used concretely in a financial and legal context, referring to a 'large sum' of money paid to obtain Roman citizenship. This shows the word's flexibility, applicable to both intellectual summaries and material valuations.

Etymology

Κεφάλαιον is a neuter noun derived from κεφαλή (kephalē, G2776), meaning 'head.' It literally means 'that which pertains to the head,' hence something primary, chief, or of first importance. The development from 'head' to 'main point' or 'sum' reflects the concept of a principal item, whether in an argument (the heading) or in accounting (the capital sum).

Semantic Range

In Hebrews 8:1, κεφάλαιον is theologically significant as it introduces the summary of Christ's superior, heavenly ministry as our high priest. Understanding this Greek term helps readers grasp that the author is distilling the core of his argument: Jesus' priesthood is the central, culminating truth of the new covenant, far surpassing the old Levitical system. It directs focus to the essential point of Christ's work.

In the Greco-Roman world, the financial sense of κεφάλαιον as a 'sum of money' or 'capital' was common in business and legal transactions, as illustrated in Acts 22:28. Roman citizenship could be purchased for a significant price, reflecting a societal system where status and rights had monetary value. The conceptual use as 'main point' also aligns with rhetorical practices, where speakers would highlight the chief heading of their argument.

κεφαλή (kephalē, G2776) — the literal 'head,' source of the derived meaning; ἀρχή (archē, G746) — 'beginning' or 'ruler,' emphasizing primacy but not necessarily a summary; κύριος (kyrios, G2962) — 'lord' or 'master,' denoting authority rather than a summary point.

Word Details

Scripture References