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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for uncovering the depth and nuances of Scripture. One such word is Κηφᾶς (Kēphas), a term that holds significant importance in New Testament interpretation. Κηφᾶς is an Aramaic word transliterated into Greek and is most famously used as a name for the Apostle Peter. This name appears in the Gospel of John 1:42 when Jesus meets Simon, son of Jonah, and gives him the name Κηφᾶς, which translates as “rock” or “stone.” The term’s usage in both Greek and Aramaic provides rich insights into the early Christian community’s linguistic and cultural background.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: Κηφᾶς, transliterated as Kēphas [KAY-fahs].

Etymology: The word Κηφᾶς originates from the Aramaic word kēphā, meaning “rock” or “stone.” This term was transliterated into Greek as Κηφᾶς, reflecting the linguistic diversity in the early Christian texts, where Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek overlapped.

Part of Speech: Κηφᾶς is a proper noun. It is a masculine singular noun used as a name in the New Testament. The name was given to Simon by Jesus, highlighting his future role as the foundational “rock” of the church.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of Κηφᾶς is “rock” or “stone.” In the context of the New Testament, it functions more than just a physical rock; it signifies stability, strength, and foundational importance, particularly in reference to Peter’s role in the early church.

Another interpretation centers on its symbolic meaning. By renaming Simon to Κηφᾶς, Jesus is not only giving him a new identity but also a new purpose — to be the foundational leader of the emerging Christian community.

Additionally, Κηφᾶς is often seen as synonymous with Peter, the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic name. Thus, the term has both a literal and metaphorical connotation in the New Testament narrative.

Exploring Similar Words

The Greek word πέτρος (petros) [PEH-tros] is another term for “rock” or “stone” and is closely related to Κηφᾶς. While both mean “rock,” πέτρος is the Greek translation of Κηφᾶς and is used interchangeably with it.

The word λίθος (lithos) [LEE-thos] means “stone” but generally refers to smaller stones rather than a massive rock or boulder. Unlike Κηφᾶς, λίθος does not carry the same symbolic weight in the New Testament narrative.

Another related term is πέτρα (petra) [PEH-tra], which refers to a large rock or bedrock. It is feminine and differs slightly in connotation from Κηφᾶς, which is specifically a name given to a person.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Κηφᾶς is a masculine singular noun. Its cases follow the patterns of Greek nouns, with the nominative (Κηφᾶς), genitive (Κηφᾶ), dative (Κηφᾷ), and accusative (Κηφᾶν).

Declension: Below is the declension table for the name Κηφᾶς:

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

Studying Lexicon Insights

Κηφᾶς is used uniquely in the New Testament to refer to the Apostle Peter, underscoring his role as a cornerstone in the early church. The name carries a theological implication of strength and reliability, making it a term loaded with both cultural and spiritual meaning. Ancient Greek lexicons suggest that while Κηφᾶς itself is a transliteration, it communicates a depth of character and mission tied directly to the life and work of Peter. In classical and Hellenistic contexts, the name also symbolizes a foundation — both literal and metaphorical. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

John 1:42: “He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas [Κηφᾶς]’ (which is translated, Peter).”

1 Corinthians 1:12: “What I mean is this: One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas [Κηφᾶς]’; still another, ‘I follow Christ.'”

Galatians 2:9: “James, Cephas [Κηφᾶς], and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The name Κηφᾶς is more than a mere proper noun in the New Testament. It reflects a foundational role, symbolic of Peter’s leadership and strength within the early Christian church. Its Aramaic roots underscore the cultural and linguistic diversity of early Christian communities, bridging Hebrew traditions with the emerging Greek-speaking world. The name embodies both a literal and spiritual metaphor of being a “rock” — a steadfast presence in turbulent times.

Did You Know?

The name Κηφᾶς is only used in the New Testament to refer to Peter, highlighting its specific association with his apostolic role.

In early Christian art, Peter is often depicted holding keys, symbolizing his role as the “rock” upon which the church is built — directly tied to the name Κηφᾶς.

The name Κηφᾶς is one of the few Aramaic words preserved in the Greek New Testament, demonstrating the bilingual nature of the early Christian texts.