or כַּבְשָׂה; feminine of כֶּבֶשׂ; a ewe; (ewe) lamb.
Transliteration:kibsâh
Pronunciation:kib-saw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3535 (כִּבְשָׂה, transliterated as *kibsâh* or *kabsâh*) denotes a "ewe-lamb" or "young female sheep." It is the feminine form of `{{H3532}}` (כֶּבֶשׂ, *kebes*), which refers to a "lamb" or "young ram." The core meaning emphasizes the youth and gender of the animal, specifying a female lamb, often implying an unblemished, innocent, and relatively small creature. The alternative spelling כַּבְשָׂה (kabsâh) is a recognized variant without a change in meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H3535 appears a number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within two distinct but related contexts:
* **Sacrificial Legislation:** The most prominent use of H3535 is in the detailed instructions for various offerings. The ewe-lamb is frequently prescribed as a specific animal for sin offerings (חַטָּאת, *chatta't*) for individuals. For example, [[Leviticus 4:32]] states that if a person sins unintentionally, they shall bring "a ewe-lamb without blemish" for a sin offering. Similarly, [[Numbers 6:14]] includes a ewe-lamb as part of the Nazirite's offerings upon completion of their vow, and [[Numbers 15:27]] specifies a ewe-lamb for an unintentional sin committed by an individual. The consistent requirement for the animal to be "without blemish" (תָּמִים, *tamim*) underscores the need for purity and perfection in offerings presented to God, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the sanctity of atonement.
* **Narrative Illustration:** Beyond ritual, H3535 is powerfully employed in Nathan's parable to King David in [[2 Samuel 12:1-4]]. Nathan describes a poor man who had "nothing but a single little ewe lamb (כִּבְשָׂה אֶחָת קְטַנָּה)," which he cherished as a member of his family. This ewe-lamb was not merely livestock but a beloved companion. The profound emotional attachment to this vulnerable creature serves to magnify the heinousness of the rich man's act of taking it, thereby exposing the depth of David's sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. In this context, the ewe-lamb symbolizes innocence, vulnerability, and cherished possession.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H3532}}` (kebes): The masculine counterpart, "lamb" or "young ram," often used interchangeably with H3535 in general discussions of lambs, but specifying gender when required.
* `{{H7716}}` (śeh): A more general term for "sheep" or "goat," often used in the context of sacrificial animals when the specific gender or age is not emphasized.
* `{{H6629}}` (tso'n): A collective noun meaning "flock" or "sheep," encompassing all members of the ovine species.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement:** The core theological concept tied to H3535 is the mechanism of atonement for sin through the shedding of innocent blood. The ewe-lamb served as a substitute, bearing the penalty for the offerer's transgression.
* **Purity and Innocence:** The requirement for the ewe-lamb to be "without blemish" aligns with the broader biblical theme of holiness and the need for purity in approaching a holy God. The lamb's perceived innocence makes it a fitting representation for the substitutionary sacrifice.
* **Vulnerability and Trust:** As depicted in Nathan's parable, the ewe-lamb symbolizes vulnerability and the preciousness of that which is entrusted to one's care, emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect the innocent and weak.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3535 is profound, primarily rooted in its role within the sacrificial system and its symbolic resonance:
* **Old Covenant Atonement:** The frequent designation of the ewe-lamb for sin offerings underscores the Old Testament's emphasis on God's provision for dealing with human sin. The sacrifice of an unblemished kibsâh provided a temporary covering for sin, allowing the covenant relationship between God and His people to be maintained. This mechanism highlighted God's justice in requiring a penalty for sin, as well as His mercy in providing a means of reconciliation.
* **Prefigurement of Christ:** While the New Testament predominantly refers to Christ as the "Lamb of God" using the Greek `{{G286}}` (amnos), the Old Testament sacrificial practices, including the offering of the kibsâh, serve as powerful typological foreshadowings. The unblemished nature, the innocent suffering, and the substitutionary death of the ewe-lamb point directly to Jesus Christ, the perfect and ultimate sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world ([[John 1:29]]). The kibsâh thus contributes to the rich tapestry of Old Testament imagery that illuminates the atoning work of the Messiah.
* **Divine Justice and Mercy:** The requirement of a ewe-lamb for sin offerings demonstrates God's unwavering justice, where sin cannot go unpunished. Simultaneously, it reveals His boundless mercy, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him despite their transgressions.
* **Ethical and Relational Lessons:** Nathan's parable transcends mere animal sacrifice, using the kibsâh as a poignant metaphor for human relationships, justice, and the sanctity of what is cherished. It teaches about empathy, the devastating impact of injustice, and the severe consequences of violating trust and exploiting the vulnerable. This narrative underscores that God's concern extends beyond ritual to the ethical conduct and relational integrity of His people.
### Summary
H3535 (כִּבְשָׂה, *kibsâh*) signifies a "ewe-lamb," a young female sheep. This term holds significant theological weight in the Hebrew Bible, primarily as a prescribed animal for various sacrifices, particularly the sin offering. Its unblemished nature and innocent life made it a fitting substitute for the guilty offerer, symbolizing atonement, purification, and God's gracious provision for sin within the Mosaic covenant. This sacrificial role strongly prefigures the ultimate atoning work of Jesus Christ, the perfect "Lamb of God." Beyond ritual, the kibsâh appears narratively in Nathan's parable to David, where it powerfully symbolizes innocence, vulnerability, and the profound value of cherished possessions, serving as a poignant illustration of justice and the severe consequences of moral transgression. The word thus encapsulates themes of divine justice and mercy, the purity required for worship, and the ethical dimensions of human relationships.
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