Lexical Summary kaphal: To double, to fold, to repeat Original Word: כָּפַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance double A primitive root; to fold together; figuratively, to repeat -- double. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to double, double over NASB Translation double over (1), doubled (1), folded double (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs כָּפַל verb double, double over (late) (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic כְּפַל; ᵑ7. כִּיפְלָא, כּוּפְלָה, Nabataean כפל EutNab. No. 20, 7 the double; Christian-Palestinian Aramaic  SchwIdioticon 46; North Syriac id.; Arabic  the double,  posteriors, buttocks; Ethiopic  is divide,  a part) — Qal Perfect2masculine singular וְכָפַלְתָּ֫ Exodus 26:9 and thou shalt double over the sixth curtain, i.e. probably use it double (Di); Passive participle כָּפוּל folded double, of the breastpiece (חשֶׁןׅ Exodus 28:16; Exodus 39:9 (twice in verse). Niph`al Imperfect3feminine singular וְתִכָּפֵל Ezekiel 21:19 and let the sword be doubled, but very dubious; Co reads plausibly תְּשַׁכֵּל let the sword bereave (compare VB). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 3717 appears five times and consistently conveys the idea of making something “double” by folding it back upon itself. In every context the act of doubling serves a theological or symbolic purpose, whether strengthening sacred materials in the wilderness sanctuary or intensifying prophetic warning. Tabernacle Coverings (Exodus 26:9) The first occurrence is found in directions for the tabernacle curtains: “fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent”. The doubled edge produced a reinforced entrance, protecting what lay within from the elements and from impurity. By creating a thicker barrier at the point of access, the design highlighted the holy distinction between the camp of Israel and the dwelling place of God (Exodus 25:8). Practically, the extra layer reduced wear on a high-traffic area; theologically, it underscored that approach to the Holy One must be mediated and safeguarded. Breastpiece of Judgment (Exodus 28:16; 39:9) In priestly garments the same verb governs the construction of the breastpiece: “It must be square when folded over, a span long and a span wide” (Exodus 28:16; duplicated in Exodus 39:9). Folding produced a pouch in which the Urim and Thummim were placed (Exodus 28:30). The doubling therefore served two ends: (1) durability, to bear the weight of precious stones and continual handling, and (2) concealment, keeping the divinely appointed means of judgment close to the high priest’s heart yet hidden from casual sight. The object was both secure and symbolic, assuring Israel that Yahweh’s decisive word was kept safe and ever near the intercessor’s heart. Prophetic Intensification (Ezekiel 21:14) The final usage shifts from sanctuary craftsmanship to prophetic menace: “Let the sword strike twice, even three times” (Ezekiel 21:14). Here doubling amplifies the imminence and severity of judgment against rebellious Jerusalem. The repeated imagery—stroke after stroke—heightens urgency. Whereas in Exodus doubling protected holiness, in Ezekiel it signals relentless exposure to divine wrath when holiness is despised. The same concept, turned outward, becomes an unmistakable call to repentance. Theological Motifs 1. Confirmation and Certainty: Elsewhere Scripture uses doubling to establish a matter (Genesis 41:32; Philippians 3:1). Each 3717 occurrence affirms certainty—whether of divine presence, priestly intercession, or coming judgment. Christological Foreshadowing The tabernacle foreshadows the incarnate Christ who “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). The doubled curtain prefigures His perfectly sufficient mediation; the folded breastpiece anticipates His bearing the names of His people over His heart (Hebrews 4:14–16). In Ezekiel the doubled sword anticipates the “two-edged sword” proceeding from the risen Lord’s mouth (Revelation 1:16), assuring both salvation and judgment are consummated in Him. Ministry Application 1. Craftsmanship for God’s glory: Every detail, even a simple fold, matters in service. Excellence in small things upholds the testimony of a holy God. Summary Strong’s 3717 unites themes of reinforcement, concealment, and intensification. From wilderness sanctuary to prophetic oracle, the doubled fold witnesses to God’s unwavering commitment to secure His people, reveal His will, and execute His judgments. Forms and Transliterations וְכָפַלְתָּ֙ וְתִכָּפֵ֞ל וכפלת ותכפל כָּפ֑וּל כָּפ֖וּל כָּפֽוּל׃ כפול כפול׃ kā·p̄ūl kaFul kāp̄ūl vechafalTa vetikkaFel wə·ḵā·p̄al·tā wə·ṯik·kā·p̄êl wəḵāp̄altā wəṯikkāp̄êlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 26:9 HEB: הַיְרִיעֹ֖ת לְבָ֑ד וְכָפַלְתָּ֙ אֶת־ הַיְרִיעָ֣ה NAS: by themselves, and you shall double over the sixth KJV: curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth INT: curtains themselves shall double curtain the sixth Exodus 28:16 Exodus 39:9 Exodus 39:9 Ezekiel 21:14 5 Occurrences |
    |