Qoph is the nineteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds significant importance in biblical literature and Hebrew linguistics. In the Hebrew script, Qoph is represented by the symbol ק and has a numerical value of 100. The letter is pronounced as a "k" sound, similar to the English "k" but with a more guttural emphasis.

Biblical Significance

Qoph appears in various contexts within the Hebrew Bible, often as part of acrostic structures. One of the most notable examples is found in Psalm 119, an acrostic psalm where each section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 145-152 of Psalm 119 correspond to the letter Qoph. In the Berean Standard Bible, these verses emphasize a deep yearning and earnest seeking of God:

"I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will obey Your statutes. I call to You; save me, that I may keep Your testimonies. I rise before dawn and cry for help; in Your word I have put my hope. My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your promise. Hear my voice, O LORD, according to Your loving devotion; give me life according to Your justice. Those who pursue evil plans draw near; they are far from Your law. You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are true. Long ago I learned from Your testimonies that You have established them forever." (Psalm 119:145-152)

These verses reflect a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and a commitment to God's laws, showcasing the spiritual depth associated with the letter Qoph.

Symbolic Meaning

In Jewish tradition, Qoph is often associated with holiness and the concept of sanctity. The shape of the letter is sometimes interpreted as representing the back of the head, symbolizing the idea of looking beyond the physical and into the spiritual realm. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on seeking God with one's whole heart and mind.

Linguistic Aspects

In Hebrew linguistics, Qoph is a unique letter that can alter the meaning of words significantly. Its presence in a word can denote a shift in meaning or emphasis, often related to holiness or separation. For example, the Hebrew word "qadosh" (קָדוֹשׁ), meaning "holy," begins with Qoph, underscoring the letter's association with sacredness.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, Qoph invites believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and their relationship with God. The letter's use in Psalm 119 serves as a reminder of the importance of earnest prayer, meditation on God's word, and the pursuit of holiness. It encourages a life dedicated to seeking God's presence and adhering to His commandments.

In summary, Qoph is a letter rich in spiritual and linguistic significance, deeply embedded in the fabric of biblical text and tradition. Its presence in scripture calls believers to a deeper understanding of holiness and a more profound commitment to their faith.QOPH

kof (qoph): The 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as q (intense k). It came also to be used for the number 100. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.

6971. qoph -- an ape
... qoph. 6972 . an ape. Transliteration: qoph Phonetic Spelling: (kofe) Short Definition:
apes. ... ape. Or qoph {kofe}; probably of foreign origin; a monkey -- ape. ...
/hebrew/6971.htm - 5kQoph (1 Occurrence)
...QOPH. kof (qoph): The 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this
Encyclopedia as q (intense k). It came also to be used for the number 100. ...
/q/qoph.htm - 6k

Acrostic (2 Occurrences)
... Psalm 10:1 begins with lamedh and 10:12, 14, 15, 17 with qoph, resh, shin and taw. ...
In Psalm 25 all the letters are represented except waw and qoph. ...
/a/acrostic.htm - 15k

Ape
... APE. ap (qoph): The word occurs only in the two parallel passages (1 Kings 10:22
2 Chronicles 9:21) in which the magnificence of Solomon is illustrated by the ...
/a/ape.htm - 8k

Quadrangle (1 Occurrence)

/q/quadrangle.htm - 7k

Qir-hareseth
Qir-hareseth. Qirhareseth, Qir-hareseth. Qoph . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
QIR-HARESETH; KIR-HERES. ... Qirhareseth, Qir-hareseth. Qoph . Reference Bible
/q/qir-hareseth.htm - 7k

Daniel (74 Occurrences)
... this period might properly be called the Babylonian-Persian Aramaic With the exception
of the sign used to denote the sound "dh," and of the use of qoph in a ...
/d/daniel.htm - 79k

Alphabet (2 Occurrences)
... water flowing; (14) nun = fish; (15) camekh = ?; (16) `ayin = eye; (17) pe = mouth;
(18) tsadhe = trap (others, hook or nose or steps), (19) qoph = cage (Evans ...
/a/alphabet.htm - 24k

Languages (36 Occurrences)
... eighteen letters occupying considerably less than three-fourths." Besides the guttural,
there are three strong consonants "m" (mem), "q" (qoph), and "ts" (tsade ...
/l/languages.htm - 49k

Nehelamite (4 Occurrences)
... eighteen letters occupying considerably less than three-fourths." Besides the guttural,
there are three strong consonants "m" (mem), "q" (qoph), and "ts" (tsade ...
/n/nehelamite.htm - 89k

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