כ
Final form: ך
Kaf
Palm, to cover, to open, to allow
Kaf (כ) is the eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and its ancient pictographic form was an open palm — a hand ready to receive, give, or bless. This beautiful image connects Kaf to some of the most important spiritual concepts: the laying on of hands in blessing, the open hand of generosity, and God's covering protection. Kaf is one of five Hebrew letters that has a special 'final form' (sofit) — ך — used when it appears at the end of a word, as if the open palm is closing to hold what it has received.
How to Pronounce Kaf
Kaf makes a 'K' sound with a dagesh (כּ) and a guttural 'Ch' sound without it (כ, like Chet). It has a final form (ך) used at the end of words.
“The LORD bless you and keep you.”
Ancient Pictographic Form
The ancient pictographic Kaf was drawn as an open palm or cupped hand. It evolved through Phoenician into the Greek Kappa (Κ) and the Latin K.
Pictograph: An open palm or the sole of a foot
Spiritual Significance
Kaf represents blessing, covering, and the power of the open hand. The priestly blessing is given with open palms (Kaf). Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) contains Kaf, connecting it to God's covering of sin. Its numerical value of 20 represents redemption.
Connection to Scripture
The priests (kohanim) bless the people with raised open palms — the shape of Kaf. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) features Kaf prominently. God's kavod (glory) filled the Temple, and His koach (power) sustains creation.
Words That Begin with Kaf
Kohen
Priest
Kavod
Glory, honor
Koach
Strength, power
Kippur
Atonement
Keter
Crown
Modern Hebrew Usage
In modern Hebrew, Kaf appears in words like כֹּהֵן (kohen, priest), כָּבוֹד (kavod, glory/honor), כֹּחַ (koach, strength/power), and כִּפּוּר (kippur, atonement). The word 'kippah' (the head covering) also comes from this root.
People Also Ask
What does the Hebrew letter Kaf mean?
Kaf means 'palm' or 'open hand' in Hebrew. It represents blessing, receiving, giving, and covering. The priestly blessing is given with open palms (the shape of Kaf), and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) features this letter prominently.
What is the final form of Kaf?
Kaf has a final form called 'Kaf Sofit' (ך) that is used when the letter appears at the end of a word. It's one of five Hebrew letters with a special final form (along with Mem, Nun, Pey, and Tzadi).
Fun Fact
The 'Vulcan salute' from Star Trek (🖖) was created by Leonard Nimoy, who based it on the priestly blessing gesture he saw as a child in synagogue — the open palms of Kaf raised in blessing.
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