Bible Word Study
כִּפָּה
kippâh · a leaf of a palmtree
כִּפָּה
a leaf of a palmtree
Definition
The Hebrew noun כִּפָּה (kippâh) refers specifically to a leaf or frond of a palm tree. In its three biblical occurrences, it consistently denotes this botanical feature. In Job 15:32, it is used metaphorically for a palm branch that withers prematurely, symbolizing the untimely end of the wicked. In Isaiah 9:14 and 19:15, the term appears in prophetic judgments, where God cuts off from Israel both 'head and tail, branch and reed'—here, 'branch' (kippâh) represents a prominent part of the nation that is removed.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively in poetic and prophetic contexts. It appears three times: once in the wisdom literature (Job) and twice in the prophetic book of Isaiah. In Job 15:32, it is part of a vivid metaphor. In Isaiah 9:14 and 19:15, it is used in parallel poetic structures ('head and tail, branch and reed') to signify God's comprehensive judgment on the leadership and people of Israel and Egypt, respectively.
Etymology
Kippâh is the feminine form of the noun כַּף (kap, H3709), which primarily means 'palm' (of the hand), 'hand,' or 'sole' (of the foot). The derivation likely comes from the resemblance between the shape of an open hand and the frond of a palm tree. This connection highlights the ancient Hebrew tendency to name objects based on visual similarity.
Semantic Range
While primarily a botanical term, kippâh gains theological weight through its metaphorical use. In Isaiah, it becomes part of a formula for divine judgment, illustrating that God's punishment is thorough, affecting all levels of society from the highest ('head') to the lowest ('reed'). Understanding this enriches the reading of these prophecies by showing that the 'branch' is not a minor detail but represents a significant segment of the community being cut off. In the ancient Near East, the date palm was a vital source of food, shade, and materials. Its large, distinctive fronds were a familiar sight. The metaphorical use of a withering palm branch in Job 15:32 would have been a powerful image of lost vitality and prosperity, as a healthy palm was a symbol of life and blessing. עָלֶה (ʿāleh, H5929) — a general term for 'leaf'. כִּפָּה is more specific, denoting the particular leaf of a palm tree. כַּף (kap, H3709) — the root word meaning 'palm' (of the hand), showing the etymological link based on shape.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]