the same as כָּבֵד; the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera); liver.
Transliteration:kâbêd
Pronunciation:kaw-bade'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3516 (כָּבֵד, kâbêd) refers specifically to the physiological organ, the liver. Its etymology is deeply rooted in the concept of "heaviness" or "weight," stemming from the same root כָּבֵד (kâbêd) that gives rise to the adjective `{{H3513}}` meaning "heavy" or "weighty," and the noun `{{H3519}}` meaning "glory" or "honor." The liver was likely named for its substantial weight, being considered the heaviest of the internal viscera. In ancient Near Eastern understanding, the liver, alongside the heart (`{{H3820}}`) and kidneys (`{{H3629}}`), was often regarded as a vital organ, though its specific associations varied. While the heart was typically the seat of intellect and emotion, the liver was often linked to vitality, blood, and sometimes profound internal states.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H3516 in the Hebrew Bible fall predominantly into two distinct categories:
1. **Sacrificial Contexts:** The vast majority of references to H3516 are found within the Mosaic sacrificial laws. Here, the liver, particularly the fatty lobe or the fat covering it, is consistently designated as a part to be offered to Yahweh. Examples include [[Exodus 29:13]], [[Exodus 29:22]], [[Leviticus 3:4]], [[Leviticus 4:9]], [[Leviticus 7:4]], [[Leviticus 8:16]], [[Leviticus 8:25]], and [[Leviticus 9:10]], [[Leviticus 9:19]]. In these passages, the liver, often mentioned alongside the kidneys and the fat, represents the choicest and most vital parts of the animal, symbolizing the worshiper's dedication of the best to God. The offering of these internal organs was integral to burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings, signifying a complete and pure devotion.
2. **Figurative and Divinatory Contexts:** Beyond the cultic, H3516 appears in two noteworthy contexts:
* **Poetic Expression of Suffering:** In [[Lamentations 2:11]], the prophet cries, "My eyes fail with tears; my spirit is troubled; my liver is poured out on the ground because of the destruction of the daughter of my people." This powerful metaphor vividly expresses extreme anguish, internal collapse, and a profound sense of despair. The "poured out" liver signifies a complete depletion of vital essence and an overwhelming, visceral sorrow, indicating the liver's association with deep internal suffering.
* **Pagan Divination:** [[Ezekiel 21:21]] (MT 21:26) describes the king of Babylon engaging in divination, stating, "For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination. He shakes the arrows, he consults with teraphim, he looks at the liver." This passage refers to hepatomancy, the practice of examining the livers of sacrificed animals for omens, a common divinatory method in ancient Mesopotamia. This reference highlights a pagan understanding of the liver as a source of hidden knowledge or divine will, starkly contrasting with its sacred use in Israelite worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H3516 is its root כָּבֵד (kâbêd), which forms the basis for several significant Hebrew words. These include the adjective `{{H3513}}` meaning "heavy," "weighty," "difficult," or "numerous," and the noun `{{H3519}}` (kâbôd), denoting "glory," "honor," "splendor," or "reputation"—all derived from the core concept of weight or substance.
In terms of anatomical and conceptual parallels within biblical anthropology, H3516 relates to other internal organs often mentioned in conjunction with human emotions, intellect, or spiritual states:
* `{{H3820}}` (lēb/lēbāb): The heart, widely considered the seat of thought, will, emotion, and moral character.
* `{{H3629}}` (kilyâh): The kidneys, often associated with the deepest emotions, conscience, and inner thoughts, reflecting divine scrutiny.
* `{{H7906}}` (re'eh): The stomach or intestines, sometimes linked to feelings of compassion or deep visceral emotion.
In cultic contexts, H3516 is related to terms like `{{H2459}}` (chelev), "fat," which was also offered to God, and broader concepts of sacrifice, purity, and dedication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3516 is multifaceted:
1. **Sacredness in Worship:** In the Israelite sacrificial system, the liver's designation as a prime offering to Yahweh underscores its perceived value and sacredness. By offering the liver and its fat, the worshiper presented the very essence and vitality of the animal, symbolizing a complete and unreserved dedication to God. This practice reinforces the principle that the best and most vital parts belong to the Divine, fostering a theology of wholeness and purity in worship.
2. **Human Vulnerability and Suffering:** The metaphorical use in [[Lamentations 2:11]] reveals a profound theological insight into human suffering. The "poured out liver" speaks to the depths of human despair and the physical manifestation of spiritual and emotional anguish caused by national catastrophe. It highlights the Bible's realistic portrayal of human vulnerability and the intensity of grief.
3. **Distinction from Paganism:** The mention of hepatomancy in [[Ezekiel 21:21]] serves a crucial theological purpose: to contrast Israelite worship with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. While the liver was offered to Yahweh in a spirit of worship and submission, pagan cultures sought to manipulate divine will through examining animal entrails. This distinction underscores the unique nature of Israel's relationship with God, whose will is revealed through His word and covenant, not through superstitious divination. It emphasizes the purity and ethical demands of true worship versus the practices of false religion.
4. **Anthropological Insight:** Though not as central as the heart, the liver's role in both ritual and poetic expression reflects the ancient biblical understanding of the human and animal body as an integrated whole, where physical organs were deeply intertwined with vital functions, emotions, and spiritual states.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3516 (כָּבֵד, kâbêd) denotes the liver, likely named for its "heaviness." Its biblical occurrences reveal significant theological insights. Primarily, it appears in sacrificial laws, where the liver, as a vital and valuable organ, was consistently offered to Yahweh, symbolizing the worshiper's complete dedication and the sacredness of the offering ([[Leviticus 3:4]]). Poetically, it serves as a powerful metaphor for profound internal suffering and despair, illustrating the depths of human anguish ([[Lamentations 2:11]]). Furthermore, its mention in the context of pagan divination ([[Ezekiel 21:21]]) sharply contrasts Israelite worship with idolatrous practices, emphasizing the unique and pure nature of Yahweh's revelation. Through these varied contexts, H3516 illuminates aspects of ancient Israelite cultic practice, the intensity of human emotion, and the distinctiveness of biblical monotheism.
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