What does כִּי · נֶפֶשׁ mean in the Bible?
כִּי · נֶפֶשׁ is a Hebrew phrase meaning "(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed".
Hebrew · H3588, H5315
כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ
(By implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed · properly, a breathing creature , i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality ; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
כִּי H3588 (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Pronunciation kiy
Multivalent conjunctive particle whose meaning shifts dramatically based on context and attached particles; foundational to logical and causal relationships throughout biblical discourse.
Open lexicon entry →
נֶפֶשׁ H5315 properly, a breathing creature , i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality ; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
Pronunciation nafsho
Vitality or lifeforce of a creature; ranges from physical breath to desire, appetite, and personal identity or selfhood.
Open lexicon entry →
What does כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ (ki-nephesh) mean in the Bible?
כִּי · נֶפֶשׁ is a Hebrew phrase meaning "(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed".
Full entry for כִּי־נֶפֶשׁ (H3588, H5315) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for H3588, H5315?
H3588, H5315 is connected to 5,245 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Hebrew phrase. (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Strong's H3588, H5315
Lexical occurrences 5,245 verses Source Gloss
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Cross-Language Connections
Greek words that correspond to or develop the meaning of this Hebrew word in the New Testament.
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain