from כָּבַר in the original sense of plaiting; a matrass (of intertwined materials); pillow.
Transliteration:kᵉbîyr
Pronunciation:keb-eer
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כְּבִיר (kᵉbîyr, `{{H3523}}`) derives from the root כָּבַר (kāvar, `{{H3527}}`), which fundamentally conveys the sense of "to be great," "numerous," or "mighty." However, in the specific context of כְּבִיר, the root is understood in its original, more concrete sense of "plaiting" or "intertwining." This etymological connection points to an object constructed from interwoven or densely braided materials. The base definition specifies a "matrass" (a thick mattress or pad, often quilted or stuffed) or a "pillow." Thus, כְּבִיר denotes a substantial, supportive item made through a process of intricate weaving or binding, suggesting firmness and density rather than softness or looseness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כְּבִיר (kᵉbîyr, `{{H3523}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making it a hapax legomenon of significant interest. Its sole occurrence is found in [[1 Samuel 19:13]]:
"And Michal took the household idol and laid it in the bed, and put a matrass of goat's hair at its head, and covered it with a garment."
In this pivotal narrative, Michal, David's wife, employs the כְּבִיר as a crucial component in her stratagem to deceive Saul's messengers and facilitate David's escape. She places a teraphim (household idol) in David's bed and then positions the כְּבִיר, explicitly described as being made of "goat's hair" (אֶדֶר הָעִזִּים), at its head. The purpose was to create the illusion of David lying ill in bed. The כְּבִיר, serving as a pillow or matrass, provided the necessary bulk and form to simulate a human head and body under the covers, allowing Michal to buy precious time for David to flee. Its function here is purely utilitarian, serving as a prop in an act of deception that ultimately saves the life of God's anointed king.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for כְּבִיר (kᵉbîyr, `{{H3523}}`) is its root verb כָּבַר (kāvar, `{{H3527}}`). While this root often signifies "to be great" or "to be mighty," its application in כְּבִיר highlights a more archaic or specialized meaning related to the physical act of intertwining or plaiting. This suggests that the "greatness" or "might" implied by the root can also manifest in the density or substantiality achieved through intricate construction.
Other related terms from the same root include:
* כָּבֵד (kābēd, `{{H3513}}`): Adjective meaning "heavy," "weighty," "significant," or "honored."
* כֹּבֶד (kōved, `{{H3515}}`): Noun meaning "weight," "heaviness," "multitude," or "severity."
* כָּבוֹד (kāvôd, `{{H3519}}`): Noun meaning "glory," "honor," "abundance," or "splendor."
The semantic thread connecting these words to כְּבִיר lies in the concept of substantiality. A plaited object (כְּבִיר) is dense and weighty, much like the "heaviness" or "glory" associated with other derivatives of the root. Unlike generic terms for bedding (e.g., מִשְׁכָּב - mishkav, bed), כְּבִיר emphasizes the specific, interwoven construction of the item, making it distinct in its material properties and perhaps its firmness.
### Theological Significance
While כְּבִיר (kᵉbîyr, `{{H3523}}`) itself is a mundane object, its singular appearance in the biblical narrative imbues it with indirect theological significance. It is not an item of ritual or symbolic import, but rather an instrument within a divinely orchestrated sequence of events. In [[1 Samuel 19:13]], the כְּבִיר becomes a silent participant in Michal's ingenious deception, which directly contributes to the preservation of David's life. This act of preservation is crucial for the unfolding of God's covenantal plan, as David is God's chosen king, through whom the lineage of the Messiah will flow. The use of this simple, plaited pillow highlights how God can employ ordinary objects and human resourcefulness (even through morally ambiguous means like deception) to achieve His sovereign purposes. It underscores the theme of divine providence, demonstrating that even in moments of peril, God's protective hand is at work, utilizing every available means to safeguard His anointed and advance His redemptive agenda.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כְּבִיר (kᵉbîyr, `{{H3523}}`) describes a plaited or intertwined object, specifically a matrass or pillow, deriving its meaning from the root's sense of dense construction. Its sole occurrence in [[1 Samuel 19:13]] reveals its instrumental role in Michal's clever ruse to save David from Saul's murderous intent. As a seemingly ordinary household item, the כְּבִיר became a vital prop in a critical moment of biblical history, illustrating how God can utilize even the most common elements to further His divine plan and protect His chosen servants. Its connection to the root כָּבַר subtly emphasizes the substantiality and density inherent in its construction, reflecting a broader concept of "weight" or "significance" found in related terms.
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