qof

Qof, also spelled Qoph, is the nineteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Its symbol is qof (ק). In the sequence of letters, it follows Pe (פ) and precedes Resh (ר). The name Qof reflects its ancient Semitic origins, and in Hebrew numeral notation it has the value 100.

In modern Hebrew, Qof represents the voiceless velar plosive /k/, as in the English word “kit.” It is one of several Hebrew letters that can convey the /k/ sound, alongside Kaf. The pronunciation of Qof is typically a hard /k/ in everyday speech; historical or liturgical contexts may show variation, but standard modern usage is /k/. Qof does not have a distinct final form, unlike some other Hebrew letters, and appears in the same form in all positions.

Orthographically, Qof appears in many common words, such as קֹדֶש (kodesh, holy) and קוֹל (kol, voice). In gematria, the value 100 is associated with the letter Qof. The letter is derived from the Phoenician Qoph and is cognate with the Arabic Qaf; its early forms reflect a circular or rounded shape that evolved into the Hebrew character ק.

Qof functions primarily as a consonant in Hebrew writing and is widely used in both secular and religious texts. It remains a foundational element of the alphabet and of Hebrew numeration, continuing to play a central role in spelling, pronunciation, and symbolic value.