The Hebrew word kibsâh, represented by H3535, is the feminine term for a ewe lamb. According to its definition, it is the feminine of כֶּבֶשׂ (kebes), the word for a male lamb. It appears a total of 8 times in 8 unique verses, where it is used in specific contexts of sacrificial law, covenant making, and poignant narrative.
In the biblical record, H3535 serves distinct purposes. In the legal codes, a ewe lamb of the first year and without blemish is specified as a sin offering for the Nazirite vow Numbers 6:14 and as part of the purification ritual for a cleansed leper Leviticus 14:10. The word is also central to the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, where Abraham sets aside seven ewe lambs as a physical "witness" to his ownership of a well Genesis 21:28-30. In a dramatic narrative, the prophet Nathan uses the story of a poor man's one "little ewe lamb," which was cherished like a daughter, to confront King David about his sin 2 Samuel 12:3-4.
Several related words provide a broader context for sacrificial animals, particularly male sheep:
- H3532 kebes: This is the direct masculine counterpart to kibsâh, meaning "a ram (just old enough to butt); lamb, sheep." It is often listed alongside the ewe lamb in sacrificial requirements, such as the two he lambs required with the one ewe lamb for the leper's cleansing Leviticus 14:10.
- H352 ʼayil: This word for ram also appears in offerings alongside the ewe lamb. In the Nazirite offering, a ram is designated for the peace offerings, while the ewe lamb is for the sin offering Numbers 6:14. The term's root suggests strength, as it can also mean a chief, a strong tree, or a post.
The theological and symbolic weight of H3535 is shown in its specific applications.
- Symbol of Covenant: The seven ewe lambs in Genesis are not a payment but a tangible, living testimony to an agreement. Their presence serves as a witness to the truth of Abraham's claim, solidifying the covenant he made Genesis 21:30.
- Representation of Personal Value: In Nathan's parable, the ewe lamb represents something precious and deeply loved, which "was unto him as a daughter" 2 Samuel 12:3. Its theft illustrates a profound and heartless violation, highlighting the depth of sin.
- Component of Atonement: The designation of a ewe lamb as a "sin offering" Numbers 6:14 gives it a specific role in ritual atonement. Its selection, required to be "without blemish," points to the need for purity in sacrifices meant to restore a right relationship with God.
In summary, H3535 is a precise term that carries significant meaning despite its infrequent use. More than just a generic lamb, the kibsâh, or ewe lamb, functions as a required element in sacred offerings, a binding witness in a foundational covenant, and a powerful symbol of cherished innocence in one of scripture's most memorable parables. Its use demonstrates how specific elements of the created world were imbued with legal and spiritual significance.
TRV