The meaning of “כָּפַר”
Understanding kâphar reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reco...
כָּפַר
appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). - to cover (specifically with bitumen) - figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation, cover over with pitch 1a) (Qal) to coat or cover with pitch 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1b2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1b3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be covered over 1c2) to make atonement for 1d) (Hithpael) to be covered
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 32:20 | “And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.” Word: כָּפַר (kâphar) | |
| Numbers 16:46 | “And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.” Word: כָּפַר (kâphar) | |
| 2 Samuel 21:3 | “Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord?” Word: כָּפַר (kâphar) | |
| Nehemiah 10:33 | “For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.” Word: כָּפַר (kâphar) | |
| Isaiah 27:9 | “By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.” Word: כָּפַר (kâphar) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Atonement
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To cover, make atonement
The Hebrew kaphar (כָּפַר) means to cover or make atonement—the basis for Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). The blood of sacrifices covered sin: 'it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul' (Leviticus 17:11).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Reconciliation, atonement
The Greek katallage (καταλλαγή) means reconciliation—restoring relationship with God. Christ's death accomplished 'the atonement' (Romans 5:11), bringing peace between God and man.