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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kôwç**, represented by `{{H3563}}`, primarily means **cup**. It appears 34 times across 29 unique verses in the Bible. While it can refer to a literal drinking vessel, it is more often used figuratively to represent a person's appointed **lot** or destiny. The word also carries a secondary, distinct meaning as an unclean bird, likely a type of **owl**, possibly derived from the cup-like cavity of the bird's eye.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H3563}}` is used to describe a physical cup, such as the one held by Pharaoh's butler ([[Genesis 40:11]], 21) or the vessel from which a poor man's lamb drank [[2 Samuel 12:3]]. In a descriptive context, the brim of the great molten sea in the temple was crafted "like the brim of a **cup**, with flowers of lilies" [[1 Kings 7:26]]. Figuratively, the word is rich with meaning. It can symbolize divine blessing and provision, as in the "cup of salvation" [[Psalms 116:13]] and the overflowing **cup** prepared by the LORD [[Psalms 23:5]]. More frequently, it represents God's judgment and wrath, a "cup of his fury" [[Isaiah 51:17]] that the wicked and disobedient nations must drink [[Jeremiah 25:15]]. In a third context, `{{H3563}}` refers to the "little **owl**," listed as an unclean bird [[Leviticus 11:17]] and used as a symbol of desolation [[Psalms 102:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the contexts in which **kôwç** appears:
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine): Often the substance within the cup, this word is central to the imagery of both blessing and intoxication from God's judgment. It is the **wine** in the LORD's cup of fury that makes the nations mad [[Jeremiah 51:7]].
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh** (fury): This term is frequently paired with **kôwç** to describe the nature of God's judgment, as in "the **cup** of his **fury**" which Jerusalem is forced to drink [[Isaiah 51:17]].
* `{{H8653}}` **tarʻêlâh** (trembling): Describes the effect of drinking the cup of divine wrath. Jerusalem has drunk "the **cup** of **trembling**" ([[Isaiah 51:17]], 22), signifying a state of reeling and astonishment.
* `{{H6907}}` **qubbaʻath** (dregs): This word refers to the sediments at the bottom of the cup, which must be drunk completely, symbolizing the full and inescapable nature of God's judgment ([[Isaiah 51:17]], 22).
* `{{H1375}}` **gᵉbîyaʻ** (goblet): A synonym for a cup or drinking vessel, used to describe the pots full of wine set before the Rechabites [[Jeremiah 35:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3563}}` is primarily symbolic, illustrating God's sovereignty over blessing and judgment.
* **Divine Apportionment:** The **cup** represents the portion or lot assigned to an individual or nation. For the psalmist, the LORD Himself is his **cup**, signifying that his destiny and inheritance are found in God [[Psalms 16:5]]. For the wicked, their **cup** is a portion of snares, fire, and brimstone [[Psalms 11:6]].
* **Instrument of Wrath:** The **cup** is one of the most powerful biblical metaphors for divine judgment. God hands this **cup** to the nations, and they must drink it, leading to drunkenness, shame, and desolation ([[Jeremiah 25:15]], [[Habakkuk 2:16]]). Babylon is described as a golden **cup** in God's hand, used to pour out this wrath upon the earth [[Jeremiah 51:7]].
* **Symbol of Salvation and Consolation:** In a positive context, the **cup** signifies deliverance and abundance. The "cup of salvation" [[Psalms 116:13]] is taken up in gratitude for God's redemption, while the "cup that runneth over" [[Psalms 23:5]] illustrates God's overwhelming goodness and provision. The "cup of consolation" signifies comfort in a time of mourning [[Jeremiah 16:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3563}}` **kôwç** transcends its simple definition as a cup to become a profound theological symbol. Whether it is filled with the wine of salvation or the mixture of divine fury, the **cup** represents a destiny apportioned by God. It powerfully illustrates the biblical concepts of divine provision, inescapable judgment, and the ultimate sovereignty of God, who gives to both the righteous and the wicked their designated portion to drink. Its additional meaning as an **owl** further links it to experiences of sorrow and isolation.
TRV