from an unused root meaning to hold together; a cup (as a container), often figuratively, a lot (as if a potion); also some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye); cup, (small) owl. Compare כִּיס.
Transliteration:kôwç
Pronunciation:koce
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3563}}` (*kôwç*) primarily denotes a "cup" or "goblet," functioning as a container for liquids. Its etymological root, though unused in verb form, suggests a meaning of "to hold together," perfectly aligning with its function as a vessel. This primary sense is evident in its literal usage throughout the Hebrew Bible, referring to a physical drinking vessel. Beyond its literal meaning, `{{H3563}}` extends metaphorically to represent a "lot" or "portion," often conceived as a drink to be consumed, symbolizing one's destiny, experience, or share. This figurative extension is profoundly significant in biblical theology.
Intriguingly, `{{H3563}}` also refers to a specific type of "unclean bird," identified most commonly as an "owl" or "little owl." This distinct semantic range is attributed by some to the bird's prominent, cup-like eye sockets. The dual nature of this single Hebrew lemma, encompassing both a domestic utensil and a nocturnal bird, highlights the rich and sometimes unexpected semantic development within biblical Hebrew. The comparison to `{{H3599}}` (*kîys*), meaning "bag" or "purse," further reinforces the concept of a container.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H3563}}` can be broadly categorized into its two primary meanings:
1. **As a "Cup" (Vessel or Metaphorical Portion):**
* **Literal Vessel:** In [[Genesis 40:11]], the cup is a literal object in the hand of Pharaoh's cupbearer. Similarly, [[Genesis 44:2]] mentions Joseph's divining cup, and [[Jeremiah 35:5]] describes cups of wine set before the Rechabites. These instances establish the basic, tangible meaning.
* **Cup of Blessing/Salvation:** The imagery shifts to one of divine provision and favor. In [[Psalm 23:5]], the overflowing cup symbolizes God's abundant blessing and honor bestowed upon the psalmist. [[Psalm 116:13]] speaks of taking "the cup of salvation," an act of thanksgiving and worship acknowledging God's deliverance. This usage evokes communion and divine fellowship.
* **Cup of Wrath/Judgment/Suffering:** This is perhaps the most pervasive and potent metaphorical use. God is often depicted as holding a cup filled with His wrath or judgment, which He causes nations or individuals to drink. Examples include:
* [[Isaiah 51:17]]: Jerusalem is commanded to "awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury."
* [[Jeremiah 25:15]]: The prophet is commanded to take "the wine cup of this fury from my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it." This signifies the universal nature of divine judgment.
* [[Ezekiel 23:31-34]]: The sisters Oholah and Oholibah (representing Samaria and Jerusalem) are depicted as drinking the "cup of your sister," a cup of desolation and sorrow.
* [[Psalm 75:8]]: "For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them." This vividly portrays the inescapable nature of divine retribution.
2. **As an "Owl" (Bird):**
* This usage appears predominantly in lists of unclean animals, highlighting the distinction between ritually clean and unclean creatures. In [[Leviticus 11:17]] and [[Deuteronomy 14:16]], the *kôwç* (owl) is explicitly forbidden for consumption, underscoring the purity laws of the Mosaic covenant.
* In [[Psalm 102:6]], the psalmist, in a state of deep distress and lament, compares himself to "an owl of the desert," symbolizing isolation, desolation, and the sorrow associated with ruin. This poetic usage taps into the known habitat and solitary nature of the bird.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of `{{H3563}}` connects it to several related words and theological concepts:
* **Containers and Vessels:** The primary meaning of "cup" naturally links it to other terms for containers, such as `{{H3627}}` (*keli*), a general word for "vessel" or "utensil." The etymological connection to "holding together" also aligns with `{{H3599}}` (*kîys*), a "bag" or "purse," emphasizing the capacity to contain.
* **Drink and Wine:** The "cup" is inextricably linked to its contents, particularly "wine" (e.g., `{{H3196}}` *yayin*). The act of "drinking" (e.g., `{{H8354}}` *shathah*) from the cup is central to both its literal and metaphorical uses.
* **Divine Decree and Destiny:** When `{{H3563}}` signifies a "lot" or "portion," it aligns with concepts of divine decree, fate, or the predetermined course of events, whether for blessing or judgment. This connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over human affairs.
* **Purity and Impurity:** The identification of *kôwç* as an "owl" places it within the legal framework of the Mosaic dietary laws, drawing connections to the concepts of ritual purity (*tahor*) and impurity (*tame*). This highlights the distinction between that which is acceptable to God and that which defiles.
* **Desolation and Wilderness:** The owl's association with desolate places in [[Psalm 102:6]] connects it to terms like `{{H3452}}` (*yeshimon*) "desert" or "wasteland," and concepts of ruin, abandonment, and divine judgment that leave places desolate.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3563}}` is profound, primarily through its metaphorical use as a "cup."
1. **The Cup of Blessing and Salvation:** This imagery speaks to God's gracious provision, His covenant faithfulness, and the abundance He bestows upon His people. It represents the portion of joy, peace, and divine favor that believers receive, often associated with acts of worship and thanksgiving, as seen in [[Psalm 116:13]]. It anticipates the New Testament concept of the cup of communion, symbolizing participation in Christ's atoning work and the blessings of the new covenant.
2. **The Cup of Wrath and Judgment:** This is arguably the most dominant and impactful theological use of `{{H3563}}`. It powerfully conveys the certainty and severity of God's righteous judgment against sin.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God is depicted as the one who fills the cup and causes nations or individuals to drink it, underscoring His absolute control over human destiny and His role as the ultimate judge.
* **Retribution for Sin:** The cup of wrath is a direct consequence of rebellion and unrighteousness. It symbolizes the full measure of divine indignation poured out upon those who defy God's will.
* **Prophetic Warning:** Prophets frequently employed this imagery to warn of impending doom, urging repentance and obedience. The act of drinking the cup signifies experiencing the full brunt of God's punitive justice, often leading to desolation, suffering, and destruction. This concept is foundational to understanding the severity of God's holiness and His intolerance for sin.
3. **The Owl and Uncleanliness:** The inclusion of the *kôwç* (owl) in the list of unclean animals reinforces the Old Testament emphasis on holiness and separation. It served as a tangible reminder to Israel of their distinct identity as God's chosen people, called to live set apart from the practices and defilements of the surrounding nations. The owl's association with desolate places also provides a poignant symbol of human suffering and isolation in the face of divine judgment or profound sorrow.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3563}}` (*kôwç*) carries a dual meaning, referring both to a "cup" or "goblet" and to an "owl." While its literal meaning as a physical container is straightforward, its metaphorical application as a "cup" holds immense theological weight. This "cup" profoundly symbolizes one's divine portion or destiny, ranging from the overflowing cup of God's blessing and salvation to the terrifying cup of His righteous wrath and judgment. This imagery underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His just retribution for sin, and His abundant provision for His people. The separate meaning of "owl" contributes to biblical themes of ritual purity and impurity, as well as serving as a powerful symbol of desolation and isolation in poetic lament. Together, these meanings illuminate the multifaceted ways in which God interacts with humanity, dispensing both grace and judgment according to His perfect will.
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