rarely כָּבֹד; from כָּבַד; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able).
Transliteration:kâbôwd
Pronunciation:kaw-bode'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd), Strong's number `{{H3519}}`, derives from the verb כָּבַד (kâbad, `{{H3513}}`), which literally means "to be heavy" or "to be weighty." This foundational meaning of "weight" provides the semantic bedrock for its figurative applications. In a positive sense, something "heavy" can signify importance, substance, or abundance. Thus, כָּבוֹד primarily denotes "glory," "honor," "splendor," "majesty," "reputation," or "abundance."
The semantic range of כָּבוֹד encompasses:
1. **Weight/Heaviness:** While rare in direct literal use, the underlying concept informs its figurative meanings.
2. **Honor/Dignity:** Referring to the respect, esteem, or high standing of an individual, nation, or even an object. This can include reputation and social standing.
3. **Splendor/Majesty:** Describing a radiant brilliance, magnificence, or awe-inspiring presence, particularly in reference to God. This often involves visual manifestations.
4. **Wealth/Abundance:** In some contexts, כָּבוֹד can refer to material riches, possessions, or a large retinue, signifying a weighty or substantial estate.
5. **Inner Being/Soul:** Occasionally, it can refer to the innermost self, the "soul" or "spirit," as the seat of one's true weight or worth.
The most profound and frequent usage of כָּבוֹד relates to the divine, where it signifies the manifest presence and attributes of God Himself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כָּבוֹד appears over 200 times in the Old Testament, with its usage varying significantly based on context:
* **Divine Glory (Shekinah):** This is the most significant application. כָּבוֹד frequently describes the visible, tangible manifestation of God's presence, often associated with fire, cloud, light, and overwhelming power.
* At Mount Sinai, the "glory of the LORD" (כְּבוֹד יְהוָה) appeared as a consuming fire on the mountaintop ([[Exodus 24:16-17]]).
* The Tabernacle was filled with the glory of the LORD, preventing Moses from entering ([[Exodus 40:34-35]]). Similarly, Solomon's Temple was filled with this glory upon its dedication ([[1 Kings 8:11]]).
* The prophet Ezekiel witnessed the departure and return of the כָּבוֹד of the LORD from the Temple, often depicted with vivid imagery of light, fire, and a throne-chariot ([[Ezekiel 10:4]], [[Ezekiel 43:4]]).
* The Psalms frequently declare God's glory as inherent to His being and displayed throughout creation ([[Psalm 19:1]], [[Psalm 29:1-2]]).
* **Human Honor/Dignity:** כָּבוֹד can refer to the respect, reputation, or high standing of individuals or nations.
* Joseph's brothers were told to tell their father of all Joseph's "glory" (wealth and position) in Egypt ([[Genesis 45:13]]).
* Proverbs often speaks of honor as a reward for wisdom or righteousness ([[Proverbs 3:35]], [[Proverbs 21:21]]).
* However, human glory is often contrasted with divine glory, being fleeting or ultimately insufficient ([[Psalm 49:12]], [[Isaiah 40:6-7]]).
* **Wealth/Abundance:** In some instances, כָּבוֹד denotes material prosperity or a large retinue.
* Abraham's great wealth and numerous servants could be considered his "glory" ([[Genesis 31:1]]).
* The "glory" of Tyre is described in terms of its merchandise and riches ([[Isaiah 23:9]]).
* **Inner Being/Soul:** Rarely, כָּבוֹד refers to the inner self, the "soul" or "spirit," particularly in poetic contexts.
* "My glory" (כְּבוֹדִי) is used in parallel with "my soul" or "my being" in certain Psalms ([[Psalm 7:5]], [[Psalm 30:12]], [[Psalm 57:8]]). This suggests the "weight" or "substance" of one's innermost self.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of כָּבוֹד is enriched by its connections to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Root Verb:** כָּבַד (kâbad, `{{H3513}}`): This verb's core meaning "to be heavy" or "to be weighty" directly informs כָּבוֹד. It can also mean "to be honored," "to be glorious," or "to be burdensome."
* **Other Words for Splendor/Majesty:**
* הוֹד (hôd, `{{H1926}}`): Majesty, splendor, vigor, often used for divine or royal majesty.
* פְּאֵר (pᵉʼêr, `{{H6286}}`): Glory, beauty, ornament.
* הָדָר (hâdâr, `{{H1935}}`): Splendor, majesty, honor, often used for the beauty of nature or the dignity of a person.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Shekinah:** Though not a biblical Hebrew word itself, "Shekinah" is a rabbinic term referring to the dwelling or settling of the divine presence, which is precisely what כָּבוֹד often describes in the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the Tabernacle and Temple.
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qōdesh, `{{H6944}}`):** God's glory is often a manifestation of His holiness. The two are intrinsically linked, as His glory reveals His set-apart nature.
* **Light (אוֹר, ʼôr, `{{H216}}`):** The visible manifestation of God's glory is frequently described as a brilliant, consuming light.
* **Presence (פָּנִים, pānîm, `{{H6440}}`):** God's glory is His manifest presence, making Him known to His creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כָּבוֹד is profound and central to understanding God's nature and His relationship with humanity.
1. **Revelation of God's Nature:** כָּבוֹד is not merely an attribute of God but the very essence of His self-revelation. It is how God makes Himself known in His majesty, power, holiness, and transcendence. When God's glory appears, it is an undeniable demonstration of His unparalleled being.
2. **God's Sovereignty and Worth:** The "weight" of God's glory underscores His ultimate authority, supremacy, and intrinsic worth. He is the one worthy of all honor and praise because of who He is.
3. **Purpose of Creation:** The created order, from the heavens to all living things, exists to declare and reflect God's glory ([[Psalm 19:1]], [[Isaiah 43:7]]). Humanity, created in God's image, was designed to be a primary reflector of this glory.
4. **Humanity's Fall and Redemption:** While humans were created with glory and honor ([[Psalm 8:5]]), sin resulted in a loss of this inherent glory ([[Romans 3:23]]). However, through redemption in Christ, believers are being restored to a state where they can again reflect God's glory and will ultimately partake in eschatological glory ([[2 Corinthians 3:18]], [[Romans 8:17-18]]).
5. **Object of Worship:** The appropriate response to the manifestation of God's כָּבוֹד is awe, reverence, and worship. To "give glory to the LORD" means to acknowledge His supreme worth and offer Him due praise and honor ([[Psalm 29:2]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, `{{H3519}}`), rooted in the concept of "weight" or "heaviness," is a multifaceted term primarily denoting "glory," "honor," and "splendor." While it can refer to human dignity, wealth, or even the inner self, its most significant and pervasive usage describes the manifest presence and inherent majesty of God. This divine כָּבוֹד is often depicted as a brilliant, awe-inspiring light or cloud, revealing God's holiness, power, and transcendence. Theologically, כָּבוֹד is central to understanding God's self-revelation, the purpose of creation, humanity's fallen state and redemptive hope, and the foundation for all true worship. It points to the intrinsic worth and supreme authority of the Almighty, demanding profound reverence and adoration.
TRV