feminine of כֵּהֶה; properly, a weakening; figuratively, alleviation, i.e. cure; healing.
Transliteration:kêhâh
Pronunciation:kay-haw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כֵּהָה (kêhâh, `{{H3545}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the adjective כֵּהֶה (kêheh, `{{H3544}}`), meaning "faint," "dim," or "dull." Its primary, literal meaning is "a weakening" or "diminution." This denotes a reduction in intensity, vibrancy, or severity. Figuratively, and as its primary application in biblical usage, כֵּּהָה carries the sense of "alleviation," "cure," or "healing." It describes a state where a negative condition, particularly a physical affliction, has diminished in its severity or has begun to recede, leading to a state of recovery or benignity. Thus, the semantic range moves from a literal fading to a figurative state of improvement or restoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כֵּהָה (kêhâh, `{{H3545}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Leviticus, specifically within the detailed instructions concerning the diagnosis of skin diseases that could render an individual ritually unclean. In all its occurrences, it functions as a technical term for discerning the nature of a lesion:
* In [[Leviticus 13:6]], the priest examines a skin plague: "And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dark [כֵּהָה], and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean." Here, "somewhat dark" indicates a faded or diminished appearance, a positive sign distinguishing it from active, spreading leprosy.
* Similarly, [[Leviticus 13:21]] describes a burn mark: "And if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hairs in it, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be dim [כֵּהָה], then the priest shall shut him up seven days." A "dim" appearance suggests a non-active or healing condition, warranting observation rather than immediate declaration of uncleanness.
* [[Leviticus 13:28]] reiterates this for a burn: "And if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not in the skin, but be somewhat dark [כֵּהָה], it is a burning boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean: for it is an inflammation of the burning." The "somewhat dark" quality signifies a benign, healing burn rather than a leprous outbreak.
* Finally, [[Leviticus 13:39]] applies it to a skin discoloration: "Then the priest shall look, and, behold, if the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish white [כֵּהָה], it is a freckle spot that groweth in the skin; he is clean." A "darkish white" spot is a faded or less intense white, differentiating it from the stark, spreading white of leprosy, indicating a non-contagious, benign condition.
In each instance, כֵּהָה describes a visual characteristic of a skin condition that signifies *diminution*, *fading*, or *non-progression*. This quality is consistently presented as a positive indicator, leading to a declaration of cleanness or at least a period of observation, rather than immediate ritual impurity. It points to a state of "alleviation" or "healing" in contrast to an active, spreading disease.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is כֵּהֶה (kêheh, `{{H3544}}`), the masculine form from which כֵּהָה is derived, sharing the core meaning of "dull," "faint," or "dim."
Concepts related to כֵּהָה include:
* **Healing and Restoration:** The word stands in opposition to disease progression, signifying a movement towards health.
* **Ritual Purity:** It is a crucial term within the broader Levitical laws concerning ritual cleanness (טָהוֹר, tahor, `{{H2889}}`) and uncleanness (טָמֵא, tame, `{{H2931}}`), particularly concerning skin afflictions.
* **Discernment:** The use of כֵּהָה highlights the meticulous discernment required of the priests in their role as guardians of Israel's ritual purity.
* **Contrasting Terms:** It is often contrasted with signs of active disease, such as the "spreading" (פָּשָׂה, pasah, `{{H6581}}`) of a lesion or a "bright" (בַּהֶרֶת, baheret, `{{H933}}`) or "raw" (חַי, chay, `{{H2416}}`) appearance, which indicate impurity.
### Theological Significance
The meticulous use of כֵּהָה in Leviticus 13 carries significant theological weight.
1. **God's Holiness and Purity:** The detailed instructions for discerning skin conditions, including the precise meaning of כֵּהָה, underscore God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity within His covenant community. Physical integrity and freedom from defiling diseases were tangible reflections of the spiritual purity required for fellowship with a holy God.
2. **Divine Providence in Health:** The very existence of such specific diagnostic criteria reveals God's active involvement in the health and well-being of His people. He provides the means for discerning healing and for the re-integration of those who might otherwise be isolated due to disease.
3. **Hope and Restoration:** For an individual afflicted with a skin condition, the presence of כֵּהָה was a sign of hope. It indicated that the condition was not the dreaded, defiling leprosy, or that it was healing, offering the prospect of being declared clean and rejoining the community's worship and social life. This reflects God's character as one who provides pathways to restoration.
4. **Priestly Role and Divine Wisdom:** The priests, guided by these divine instructions, acted as God's agents in discerning purity. The ability to recognize כֵּהָה as a sign of benignity or healing was part of the divine wisdom imparted for the proper governance and care of the community.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כֵּהָה (kêhâh, `{{H3545}}`) signifies "a weakening" or "diminution," and in its biblical application, "alleviation," "cure," or "healing." Its exclusive occurrences in Leviticus 13 establish it as a crucial technical term in the priestly diagnosis of skin conditions. In every instance, כֵּהָה describes a "dim," "faded," or "somewhat dark" appearance of a lesion, which is a positive indicator that the condition is not the ritually defiling leprosy, but rather a benign ailment or one that is in the process of healing. Theologically, כֵּהָה highlights God's meticulous concern for the purity and well-being of His people, His provision of wisdom for discernment, and the ever-present hope of restoration and re-integration for those who might otherwise face isolation due to physical affliction. It serves as a subtle yet profound testament to God's desire for His people's wholeness, both physical and ritual.
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