ק
Qof
Holy, set apart, cycle, behind
Qof (ק) is the nineteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and it begins one of the most important words in all of Scripture: קָדוֹשׁ (kadosh, holy). Holiness — the quality of being set apart for God — is the central calling of God's people. 'Be holy, for I am holy' (Leviticus 11:44) is the divine imperative that Qof introduces. The ancient pictographic form of Qof was the back of a head (looking behind) or the eye of a needle, suggesting the narrow path of holiness and the need to look beyond the surface. Qof is unique in that its tail descends below the baseline — reaching into hidden depths, just as true holiness requires going deeper than external appearances.
How to Pronounce Qof
Qof makes a 'K' sound, similar to Kaf but originally a deeper, more emphatic sound from the back of the throat.
“Holy (Kadosh), holy (Kadosh), holy (Kadosh) is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Ancient Pictographic Form
The ancient Qof resembled the back of a head with a vertical stroke descending. It evolved through Phoenician and influenced the Greek Qoppa and the Latin Q.
Pictograph: The back of a head or an eye of a needle
Spiritual Significance
Qof represents holiness, sacred separation, and the call to be set apart. Its descending tail suggests reaching into depths that other letters cannot — the deep things of God. Its value of 100 represents fullness and completion of holiness.
Connection to Scripture
'Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh' (Holy, Holy, Holy) — the angelic cry in Isaiah 6:3 — uses Qof three times. The Kiddush (sanctification) prayer over wine begins with Qof. God's voice (kol) called to Moses from the burning bush.
Words That Begin with Qof
Kadosh
Holy
Kol
Voice
Kara
To call, to read
Korban
Sacrifice, offering
Kedem
Ancient, east
Modern Hebrew Usage
In modern Hebrew, Qof appears in words like קָדוֹשׁ (kadosh, holy), קוֹל (kol, voice), קָרָא (kara, to call/read), and קָרְבָּן (korban, sacrifice/offering).
People Also Ask
What does Kadosh (Holy) mean in Hebrew?
Kadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'holy' or 'set apart' in Hebrew. It doesn't primarily mean 'morally perfect' but rather 'separated for a sacred purpose.' God is kadosh because He is utterly distinct from creation. We are called to be kadosh — set apart for His purposes.
Why does Qof descend below the line?
Qof's tail extends below the baseline of text, making it one of the few letters to 'reach down.' This is interpreted as symbolizing the depths of holiness — true sanctification requires going deeper than the surface, reaching into hidden areas of the heart.
Fun Fact
The triple repetition 'Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh' (Holy, Holy, Holy) in Isaiah 6:3 is the only attribute of God repeated three times in Scripture — emphasizing that holiness is God's supreme characteristic.
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