Caphtor
Caphtor is a island mentioned in 5 verses. Its most likely location is another name for Crete. The name means “a sphere, buckle, or hand.”
Where is Caphtor?
Approx. 35.3097, 24.8933 · OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
Possible modern locations
| Identification | Type | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| another name for Crete | island | High |
| another name for Cilicia | region | Low |
| another name for Cappadocia | region | Low |
| another name for Cyprus | island | Low |
| Aegean Islands | region | Low |
| Karpathos | island | Low |
Caphtor in the Bible dictionary
A chaplet, the original seat of the Philistines (Deut. 2:23; Jer. 47:4; Amos 9:7). The name is found written in hieroglyphics in the temple of Kom Ombos in Upper Egypt. But the exact situation of Caphtor is unknown, though it is supposed to be Crete, since the Philistines seem to be meant by the “Cherethites” in 1 Sam. 30:14 (see also 2 Sam. 8:18). It may, however, have been a part of Egypt, the Caphtur in the north Delta, since the Caphtorim were of the same race as the Mizraite people (Gen. 10:14; 1 Chr. 1:12).
Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain. Full dictionary entry →
Verses that mention Caphtor
- Genesis 10:14
And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.
- Deuteronomy 2:23
And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)
- 1 Chronicles 1:12
And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom came the Philistines,) and Caphthorim.
- Jeremiah 47:4
Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the Lord will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.
- Amos 9:7
Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the Lord. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?