Caphtorim: People of Caphtor
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The Caphtorim are a people mentioned in the Bible, associated with the land of Caphtor. They are traditionally understood to be descendants of Mizraim, the son of Ham, and thus part of the broader Hamitic lineage. The Caphtorim are noted in the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons after the Flood.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 10:13-14 : "Mizraim was the father of the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites, Pathrusites, Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites." This passage places the Caphtorim among the descendants of Mizraim, indicating their origin in the post-Flood world and their connection to the broader Egyptian lineage.

2. Deuteronomy 2:23 : "And as for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorites, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and settled in their place." This verse suggests a migratory or conquering aspect of the Caphtorim, as they displaced the Avvites and settled in their territory. This movement is indicative of the dynamic and often tumultuous history of the ancient Near East.

3. Jeremiah 47:4 : "For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. For the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor." Here, the Caphtorim are linked to the Philistines, suggesting a possible origin or connection between the two groups. This connection is further supported by the Genesis account, which mentions the Philistines in the context of the descendants of Casluhim, another group related to Mizraim.

4. Amos 9:7 : "Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir?" This rhetorical question from the Lord highlights the divine orchestration of the movements of peoples, including the Philistines from Caphtor, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Caphtor is a matter of scholarly debate, but it is often associated with the island of Crete or other locations in the Aegean region. This association is based on linguistic and archaeological evidence, as well as ancient Near Eastern texts that reference Caphtor. The connection to Crete is significant, as it aligns with the broader understanding of the Sea Peoples, among whom the Philistines are often included.

The Caphtorim, as a people, are thus situated within the complex tapestry of ancient Near Eastern history, interacting with and influencing the cultures and peoples around them. Their mention in the biblical narrative underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the unfolding of God's purposes through the movements and migrations of nations.
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Genesis 10:14
And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.
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1 Chronicles 1:12
And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim.
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Deuteronomy 2:23
And the Avims which dwelled in Hazerim, even to Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelled in their stead.)
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Jeremiah 47:4
Because of the day that comes to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remains: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.
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Amos 9:7
Are you not as children of the Ethiopians to me, O children of Israel? said the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?
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Library

The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study.
... BC432) [904] ; but the polemical bias of that people, and the ... Caphtor, Caphtorim,
Kappadokia, Kappadokes, Deuteronomy 2:23, Amos 9:7. Cherethites, krtym, Kretes ...
/.../chapter iv the greek versions.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... most exposed to the attacks of the people of the ... the Lord had brought "the Philistines
from Caphtor;" and in ... ii.23 it is related how "the Caphtorim which came ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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