Brief Overview of κεφάλαιον (Strong’s G2774: kephálaion)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies, as it provides deeper insight into the nuances and meanings often lost in translation. The Greek word κεφάλαιον (kephálaion) is one such term that offers significant layers of meaning, particularly in the context of New Testament interpretation. In ancient Greek culture and literature, this word was associated with financial, legal, and rhetorical contexts, adding depth to its usage in the biblical text.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κεφάλαιον, transliterated as kephálaion [keh-FAH-lah-ee-on].

Etymology: The word κεφάλαιον is derived from the Greek word κεφαλή (kephalḗ), meaning “head.” The root word κεφαλή metaphorically extended to signify “main point” or “sum,” reflecting the concept of the “head” as the central part or summary of a discussion or argument.

Part of Speech: κεφάλαιον is a neuter noun. It belongs to the third declension, following the standard patterns of noun morphology for Greek words of this type.

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Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of κεφάλαιον is “a main point” or “chief matter.” It often signifies the essence or core idea of a discussion or argument. In legal and rhetorical contexts, it refers to the most significant or fundamental point of a case or argument.

Another key meaning of the word is “sum” or “summary,” particularly in financial contexts. This usage aligns with the idea of a total or the principal amount in a transaction, capturing the sense of an aggregate or entirety.

The term can also be employed in literature to denote the “main theme” or “principal subject” of a text, thereby emphasizing its central importance within a larger body of work.

Exploring Similar Words

The word κόμβος (kombos) [KOM-bos] is similar but focuses more on a “knot” or “bond” rather than the “main point” or “sum.” It implies complexity rather than a summary or essence.

Another related term is ἀκροθίνιον (akrothinion) [ah-kroh-THIH-nee-on], which means “firstfruits” or “top portion.” While it might also signify a primary or significant part, it has a different nuance, focusing more on the “choicest” rather than the “core.”

The word περίληψις (perílepsis) [peh-REE-leh-psis] is another related term, meaning “encompassing” or “summary,” which shares some connotations with κεφάλαιον but focuses more on the act of summarizing rather than the summary itself.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

Case, Number, Gender: κεφάλαιον is a neuter noun and can appear in various cases depending on its syntactical role. It may be singular or plural, and its gender remains neuter throughout its uses in different contexts.

Declension: κεφάλαιον follows the third declension pattern for Greek nouns. The declension is as follows:

For more details on Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term κεφάλαιον is understood by lexicons as encompassing various nuanced meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In New Testament contexts, such as in Hebrews 8:1, it serves to summarize the key point of theological discourse about Jesus’ high priesthood. In Acts 22:28, it is used in a different setting, translating as “sum” or “amount” in a financial or legal sense. Theologically, the word underscores the importance of focusing on the core or most essential elements of faith and doctrine. Across lexicons, from BDAG to Moulton and Milligan, κεφάλαιον is seen as a versatile term that enriches both theological understanding and historical analysis.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

In Acts 22:28, the term κεφάλαιον is used to indicate the “sum” or “amount” of money, as in, “The commander answered, ‘I acquired this citizenship with a large sum [κεφαλαίῳ].'”

In Hebrews 8:1, it is employed to introduce a summary point: “Now the main point [κεφάλαιον] in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κεφάλαιον (kephálaion) is a versatile term that can denote the “main point,” “summary,” or “chief matter” depending on the context. Its usage spans theological summaries in the New Testament to practical financial matters, reflecting its broad application in ancient Greek culture and literature. Understanding this word helps readers grasp the essential points of biblical texts and appreciate the layered meanings present in Greek discourse.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek rhetoric, κεφάλαιον was often used in summations to capture the essence of a lengthy argument, serving as a tool for persuasion.

The word shares its root with κεφαλή, which refers to the “head,” illustrating how the concept of the “head” or “chief part” symbolizes importance in Greek thought.

The term is used in both legal and religious contexts, showing its adaptability in various fields of ancient Greek life and discourse.