Κηφᾶς

Cephas

Definition

Κηφᾶς (Cephas) is the Aramaic name given by Jesus to Simon, son of John, meaning 'rock' (John 1:42). In the New Testament, it functions exclusively as the personal name for the apostle Peter, used interchangeably with the Greek name Πέτρος (Petros). The name highlights his foundational role among the apostles, as seen when Paul lists him as a primary witness to the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5). Its use, particularly in Paul's letters, sometimes denotes a specific faction or group associated with Peter within the early church (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:12).

Biblical Usage

Κηφᾶς is used six times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles (1 Corinthians and Galatians). In John 1:42, it is introduced as the new name Jesus gives to Simon. Paul uses it to refer to Peter as an individual leader (1 Corinthians 9:5, 15:5; Galatians 2:9) and also to identify a group of believers who aligned themselves with Peter's teaching or authority (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:22). The pattern shows it was a recognized, formal name for Peter, especially in contexts addressing Jewish-Christian relations or church divisions.

Etymology

Κηφᾶς is a Greek transliteration of the Aramaic word כֵּיפָא (kêphâ), meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It is the direct equivalent of the Greek Πέτρος (Petros), both meaning 'rock.' The name was given by Jesus to Simon, symbolizing the foundational role he would play (Matthew 16:18). Its preservation in Aramaic form in the Greek New Testament reflects the bilingual environment of early Christianity and the personal significance of the name-change event.

Semantic Range

The name Κηφᾶς is theologically significant as it embodies Jesus' authority to rename and redefine a person's identity and mission, much like God did with Abram and Jacob. It underscores Peter's role as a foundational leader in the early church, particularly in bridging Jewish and Gentile believers (Galatians 2:7-9). Understanding that Cephas and Peter are the same person enriches reading by clarifying passages about apostolic authority, unity, and the historical development of church leadership, highlighting how God uses individuals as 'living stones' in His spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).

In first-century Jewish culture, bestowing a new name signified a change in destiny or character, as seen with Abraham and Israel. By giving Simon the Aramaic name Κηφᾶς ('rock'), Jesus used a concept familiar in Jewish tradition—where God is often called the 'rock' of salvation (e.g., Psalm 18:2)—and applied it to a human disciple, which was striking. The name's Aramaic form also reflects Peter's Jewish identity and his initial mission primarily to Jews (Galatians 2:7-8), while its Greek equivalent (Πέτρος) facilitated communication in the wider Hellenistic world.

Πέτρος (Petros, G4074) — The Greek translation of Κηφᾶς, used interchangeably as Peter's name throughout the Gospels and Acts.

Word Details

Scripture References