### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kûwsh**, represented by `{{H3568}}`, refers to **Cush** or **Ethiopia**. It appears **30 times** in **30 unique verses**. The term is used to identify a son of Ham, his descendants' territory, and is also the name of an Israelite.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3568}}` is used in several key contexts. It establishes lineage in the table of nations, identifying **Cush** as a son of Ham ([[Genesis 10:6]], [[1 Chronicles 1:8]]) and the father of figures like Nimrod [[Genesis 10:8]] and Seba [[Genesis 10:7]]. Geographically, it denotes a significant and often distant land, with the Gihon river encompassing "the whole land of **Ethiopia**" [[Genesis 2:13]] and the Persian empire stretching "from India even unto **Ethiopia**" [[Esther 1:1]]. The name also appears once in reference to an individual Israelite, "Cush the Benjamite" [[Psalms 7:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the sphere of **Kûwsh** in the biblical world:
* `{{H4714}}` **Mitsrayim** (Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim): As a brother of Cush [[Genesis 10:6]] and a neighboring power, Egypt is frequently mentioned alongside Ethiopia in prophetic and political contexts, such as when their combined strength is noted [[Nahum 3:9]].
* `{{H6316}}` **Pûwṭ** (Put): Another son of Ham [[Genesis 10:6]], his descendants are often listed with the Ethiopians as mighty warriors allied with larger powers [[Jeremiah 46:9]].
* `{{H5434}}` **Çᵉbâʼ** (Seba): A son of Cush [[Genesis 10:7]], his name is linked with Ethiopia in a divine declaration where both are given as a ransom for Israel [[Isaiah 43:3]].
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Assyria, Assyrians): A major empire whose actions are prophetically tied to Ethiopia. The king of **Assyria** is foretold to lead the Ethiopians away as captives [[Isaiah 20:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3568}}` is demonstrated through its role in prophecy and God's interaction with the nations.
* **Sovereignty Over Nations:** God’s authority over all kingdoms is shown through His dealings with Ethiopia. He uses it as a ransom for His people [[Isaiah 43:3]] and subjects it to judgment and captivity, demonstrating that no earthly power is outside His control ([[Ezekiel 30:4]], [[Isaiah 20:4]]).
* **Inclusion in Redemption:** Ethiopia is explicitly included in God's redemptive scope. It is named as a land from which the Lord will recover the remnant of His people [[Isaiah 11:11]] and from which His "suppliants" will bring Him offerings [[Zephaniah 3:10]].
* **Future Worship:** Prophecy points to a future where Ethiopia turns to God. Its people will acknowledge the one true God [[Isaiah 45:14]], and a well-known passage declares that "**Ethiopia** shall soon stretch out her hands unto God" [[Psalms 68:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3568}}` is far more than a simple geographical or genealogical label. It represents a significant Gentile power used throughout scripture to illustrate the extent of earthly kingdoms and, more importantly, the vastness of God's sovereignty. The biblical narrative of **Cush** or **Ethiopia** serves as a powerful testament to God's authority over all nations and His ultimate plan to draw people from the farthest corners of the earth to Himself.
TRV