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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Caphtorim</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/caphtorim.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/10-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/caphtorim.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Caphtorim</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/c/caphtor--a_country,_now_unknown.htm" title="Caphtor: A Country, Now Unknown">◄</a> Caphtorim <a href="/topical/c/caph'torim.htm" title="Caph'torim">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The Caphtorim are a people mentioned in the Bible, believed to be descendants of Mizraim, the son of Ham, according to the Table of Nations in <a href="/bsb/genesis/10.htm">Genesis 10</a>. The Caphtorim are associated with the region of Caphtor, which is often identified with Crete or a nearby area in the eastern Mediterranean. This identification is based on historical and archaeological evidence, as well as biblical references.<br><br><b>Biblical References</b><br><br>The primary biblical references to the Caphtorim are found in <a href="/genesis/10-13.htm">Genesis 10:13-14</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/2-23.htm">Deuteronomy 2:23</a>. In <a href="/genesis/10-13.htm">Genesis 10:13-14</a> , the genealogy of the sons of Ham is given: "Mizraim was the father of the Ludites, Anamites, Lehabites, Naphtuhites, Pathrusites, Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and Caphtorites." This passage indicates that the Caphtorim were one of the groups descending from Mizraim, suggesting an Egyptian connection.<br><br><a href="/deuteronomy/2-23.htm">Deuteronomy 2:23</a> provides additional context: "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 that the Caphtorim were a conquering people who displaced the Avvites and settled in their territory, which is associated with the region of Gaza.<br><br><b>Historical and Geographical Context</b><br><br>The identification of Caphtor with Crete is supported by various historical and archaeological findings. The ancient Minoan civilization of Crete is often linked to the Caphtorim, as both are associated with maritime prowess and cultural influence in the Mediterranean region. Some scholars also suggest that Caphtor could refer to other locations in the Aegean or eastern Mediterranean, such as Cyprus or the coast of Asia Minor.<br><br>The connection between the Caphtorim and the Philistines is particularly significant. The Philistines are frequently mentioned in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites, and their origins are traced back to Caphtor in <a href="/amos/9-7.htm">Amos 9:7</a> : "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 passage highlights the divine orchestration of the movements of peoples, including the Philistines' migration from Caphtor.<br><br><b>Cultural and Theological Significance</b><br><br>The Caphtorim, as part of the descendants of Ham, are integral to the biblical narrative of the dispersion of nations following the Flood. Their mention in the Table of Nations underscores the diversity of peoples and cultures that emerged from Noah's descendants. The Caphtorim's role in displacing the Avvites and their connection to the Philistines illustrate the dynamic and often contentious interactions among ancient Near Eastern peoples.<br><br>From a theological perspective, the movement and settlement of the Caphtorim, like other nations, are seen as part of God's sovereign plan. The biblical narrative emphasizes that God is in control of the rise and fall of nations, using them to fulfill His purposes in history. The Caphtorim's account, though brief in the biblical text, contributes to the broader understanding of God's dealings with humanity and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Caphtorim</span><p>Descendants of Mizraim, and kindred to the Casluhim, near whom they were probably located on the northeast coast of Africa. These last two people are both named as ancestors of the Philistines, <a href="/genesis/10-14.htm">Genesis 10:14</a> De 2:23 Am 9:7; and it is probable that a colony made up from both drove out the Avim from the country on the south-east coast of the Mediterranean, and occupied it under the name of Philistines, which it is generally agreed means strangers. But whether they came from Cyprus, Crete, or Cappadocia, is not agreed. </p><a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">CAPHTOR; CAPHTORIM</span><p>kaf'-tor, kaf'-tor-im (kaphtor, kaphtorim; Kappadokia, Gaphtorieim, Kaphtoriem).<br><br>1. First Theory: Crete:<br><br>The country and people whence came the Philistines (<a href="/genesis/10-14.htm">Genesis 10:14</a> = <a href="/1_chronicles/1-12.htm">1 Chronicles 1:12</a> (here the clause "whence went forth the Philistines" should, probably come after Caphtorim); <a href="/deuteronomy/2-23.htm">Deuteronomy 2:23</a> <a href="/jeremiah/47-4.htm">Jeremiah 47:4</a> <a href="/amos/9-7.htm">Amos 9:7</a>). Jeremiah (loc. cit.) calls it an "island"; there is evidence of ancient connection between Crete and Philistia; and the Philistines are called Cherethites, which may mean Cretans (see CHERETHITES). These considerations have led many to identify Caphtor with the important island of Crete. It should be noted, however, that the word 'i, used by Jeremiah, denotes not only "isle," but also "coastland."<br><br>2. Second Theory: Phoenicia:<br><br>Ebers (Aegypten und die Bucher Moses, 130) thought that Caphtor represented the Egyptian Kaft-ur, holding that Kaft was the Egyptian name for the colonies of Phoenicians in the Delta, extended to cover the Phoenicians in the north and their colonies. Kaft-ur, therefore, would mean "Greater Phoenicia." But the discovery of Kaptar among the names of countries conquered by Ptolemy Auletes in an inscription on the Temple of Kom Ombo is fatal to this theory.<br><br>3. Third Theory: Cilicia:<br><br>A third theory would identify Caphtor with the Kafto of the Egyptian inscriptions. As early as the time of Thotmes III the inhabitants of this land, the Kafti, are mentioned in the records. In the trilingual inscription of Canopus the name is rendered in Greek by Phoinike, "Phoenicia." This seems to be an error, as the Kafti portrayed on the monuments have no features in common with the Semites. They certainly represent a western type. It is held that the Egyptian Kafto is a district in Asia Minor, probably Cilicia. The sea-pirates, the purasati, whom Rameses III subdued (circa 1200 B.C.), entered Syria from the north. The "R" in the name is the Egyptian equivalent of the Semitic "L". Therefore Purasati = Pilishti, "Philistines." And so it is proposed to identify Caphtor with Cilicia. A serious objection to this theory is the absence of the final "r" in Kafto. McCurdy's suggestion (HDB) that it represents a Hebrew waw, written as a vowel-letter in an original Kafto, does not carry conviction.<br><br>It is impossible to give a certain decision; but the balance of probability seems still inclined to the first theory.<br><br>W. Ewing<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/3732.htm"><span class="l">3732. Kaphtori -- descendant of Mizraim, also their land</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3731, 3732. Kaphtori. 3733 . descendant of Mizraim, also their land.<br> Transliteration: Kaphtori Phonetic Spelling: (kaf-to-ree') Short Definition: <b>Caphtorim</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/3732.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/killen/the_ancient_church/endnotes.htm"><span class="l">[Endnotes]</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "Raamah, Naphtuhim, Amorite, Almodad, "Sabtechab,Pathrusim, Girgasite, Sheleph,<br> "Sheba, Caslubim, Hivite, Hazarmaveth, "Dedan, <b>Caphtorim</b>, Arkite, Jerah, "Nimrod <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maspero/history_of_egypt_chaldaea_syria_babylonia_and_assyria_v_6/chapter_iiithe_hebrews_and_the.htm"><span class="l">The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus</span></a> <br><b>...</b> ii.23 it is related how "the <b>Caphtorim</b> which came forth out of Caphtor destroyed<br> the Avvim, which dwelt in villages as far as Gaza, and dwelt in their stead <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/swete/an_introduction_to_the_old_testament_in_greek_additional_notes/chapter_iv_the_greek_versions.htm"><span class="l">The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> v.24, 1 Chronicles 14:14). Caphtor, <b>Caphtorim</b>, Kappadokia, Kappadokes, Deuteronomy<br> 2:23, Amos 9:7. Cherethites, krtym, Kretes, Zephaniah 2:5, Ezech. xxv.16. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iv the greek versions.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/an_exposition_on_the_first.htm"><span class="l">An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of <b>...</b></span></a> <br>The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/caphtorim.htm"><span class="l"><b>Caphtorim</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> CAPHTOR; <b>CAPHTORIM</b>. kaf'-tor, kaf'-tor-im (kaphtor, kaphtorim; Kappadokia, Gaphtorieim,<br> Kaphtoriem). <b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Caphtorim</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/caphtorim.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/caphtor.htm"><span class="l">Caphtor (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> It may, however, have been a part of Egypt, the Caphtur in the north Delta, since<br> the <b>Caphtorim</b> were of the same race as the Mizraite people (Genesis 10:14; 1 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/caphtor.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/caph'torim.htm"><span class="l">Caph'torim (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Caph'torim. <b>Caphtorim</b>, Caph'torim. Caphtorims . <b>...</b> Genesis 10:14 and Pathrusim,<br> and Casluhim--whence went forth the Philistines--and <b>Caphtorim</b>. (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/caph'torim.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/caphtorites.htm"><span class="l">Caphtorites (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance Caphtorites (3 Occurrences). Genesis 10:14 and Pathrusim,<br> and Casluhim--whence went forth the Philistines--and <b>Caphtorim</b>. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/caphtorites.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/casluhim.htm"><span class="l">Casluhim (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The parenthesis should probably follow <b>Caphtorim</b>. <b>...</b> Genesis 10:14 Pathrusim, Casluhim<br> (which the Philistines descended from), and <b>Caphtorim</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/casluhim.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/philistim.htm"><span class="l">Philistim (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance Philistim (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:14 And Pathrusim,<br> and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and <b>Caphtorim</b>. (KJV WBS YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/philistim.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pathru'sim.htm"><span class="l">Pathru'sim (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance Pathru'sim (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:14 and Pathrusim,<br> and Casluhim--whence went forth the Philistines--and <b>Caphtorim</b>. (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pathru'sim.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pathrusim.htm"><span class="l">Pathrusim (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Pathrusim (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (which the Philistines<br> descended from), and <b>Caphtorim</b>. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pathrusim.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/caslu'him.htm"><span class="l">Caslu'him (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance Caslu'him (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:14 and Pathrusim,<br> and Casluhim--whence went forth the Philistines--and <b>Caphtorim</b>. (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/caslu'him.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/casluhites.htm"><span class="l">Casluhites (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance Casluhites (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:14 and Pathrusim,<br> and Casluhim--whence went forth the Philistines--and <b>Caphtorim</b>. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/casluhites.htm - 6k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Caphtorim (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/10-14.htm">Genesis 10:14</a></span><br />Pathrusim, Casluhim (which the Philistines descended from), and <span class="boldtext">Caphtorim</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-23.htm">Deuteronomy 2:23</a></span><br />and the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the <span class="boldtext">Caphtorim</span>, who came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and lived in their place.)<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_chronicles/1-12.htm">1 Chronicles 1:12</a></span><br />and Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from whence came the Philistines), and <span class="boldtext">Caphtorim</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/caphtorim.htm">Caphtorim</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/caphtorim_caphtor.htm">Caphtorim Caphtor</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/c/caphtorim--people_of_caphtor.htm">Caphtorim: People of Caphtor</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/caphtorim.htm">Caphtorim (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/caphtorims.htm">Caphtorims (1 Occurrence)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/c/caphtor--a_country,_now_unknown.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Caphtor: A Country, Now Unknown"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Caphtor: A Country, Now Unknown" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/caph'torim.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Caph'torim"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Caph'torim" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>