Tanach · Rishonim on Tanach · Ibn Ezra · Torah
Ibn Ezra on Exodus 25:17/אבן עזרא על שמות כ״ה:י״ז
אועשית כפרת. כדמות מכסה, ואמר יפת כי כמוהו לכפר עליו (ויקרא א ד) כמו כסוי חטאה (תה' לב א), ולפי דעתי שמלת לכפר עליו, מגזרת כופר, והנה זה מפורש, ונתנו איש כפר נפשו (למטה ל יב), ושם כתוב לכפר על נפשותיכם (שם שם טו), ועובי הכפרת לא נזכר:
1AND THOU SHALT MAKE AN ARK-COVER. The word kapporet means a cover. Yefet says that the word le-khapper (to make atonement) in to make atonement for him (Lev. 1:4) is similar. Its meaning is similar to whose sin is covered154 means to cover, i.e., to cover someone’s sins. (Ps. 32:1).155 However, I believe that the word le-khapper (to make atonement for him) (Lev. 1:4) is similar in meaning to the form kofer (ransom). Now this is clearly stated,156 in le-khapper alav (to make atonement for him) is similar to kofer (ransom). for Scripture states, then shall they give every man a ransom (kofer) for his soul unto the Lord (Ex. 30:12). Scripture then goes on to say, le-khapper al nafshotekhem157 is similar to le-khapper al nafshotekhem because both speak of people. (to make atonement for your souls) (Ex. 30:15).158 Scripture does not mention the thickness of the ark cover.159