The proper noun "Caiphas" is spelled with a "ph" instead of an "f" due to its Greek origin. The Greek letter phi is pronounced as an "f" sound, which is why it is often mistaken for the spelling of "Cai(f)as". However, in English, when the Greek letter phi is transliterated it is spelled with a "ph" to indicate the "f" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Caiphas" is /ˈkaɪ.fəs/, with the "ph" sound represented by the /f/ symbol.
Caiphas refers to a prominent figure in the New Testament, specifically in the Christian Gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Caiphas is primarily known as the high priest of the Jewish nation during the time of Jesus' trial and execution. His name is derived from the Hebrew word "kaipha," meaning "rock" or "stone."
According to the Gospel narratives, Caiphas played a significant role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. He, along with other religious leaders, plotted against Jesus and sought ways to eliminate him due to his increasing popularity and teachings that challenged the authority of the Jewish establishment. Caiphas is specifically mentioned in the Gospel of John, where he presides over Jesus' trial and condemns him to death for blasphemy.
Being the high priest, Caiphas held a crucial position in Jewish religious and social hierarchy. The high priest was responsible for offering sacrifices, conducting rituals in the temple, and acting as an intermediary between God and the Jewish people. In the context of Jesus' crucifixion, Caiphas symbolized the opposition of the Jewish religious establishment to the message preached by Jesus.
In summary, Caiphas is the high priest who played a significant role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus Christ. His actions became integral to the salvation narrative in Christian theology, representing the religious opposition faced by Jesus during his earthly ministry.
The word Caiphas is derived from the Greek name Kaiphas, which itself originated from the Hebrew name Qayyafa or Qayyipha. In the New Testament of the Bible, Caiphas is known as the high priest who played a significant role in the trial of Jesus Christ. The Hebrew origin of the name is speculated to mean one who is like, or resembles, a rock.