from כָּשֵׁר; prosperity; in plural freedom; [idiom] chain.
Transliteration:kôwshârâh
Pronunciation:ko-shaw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun כּוֹשָׁרָה (kôwshârâh, `{{H3574}}`) is derived from the verbal root כָּשֵׁר (kāshēr, `{{H3787}}`), which signifies "to be straight, proper, right, fit, successful, or prosperous." Reflecting this root, the primary semantic range of כּוֹשָׁרָה encompasses "prosperity," "success," or a state of "well-being." In its plural form, the word can convey the concept of "freedom" or "unhindered movement," suggesting the positive outcome of being in a proper or successful condition. A more challenging aspect of its definition, as provided by some lexicons, includes an "idiomatic" sense of "chain." This proposed meaning is often considered in light of its sole biblical occurrence, where it might be interpreted as a state from which one is delivered, or perhaps a "fitting" constraint, though this deviates significantly from the root's direct meaning of flourishing. The dominant understanding, grounded in the root, emphasizes a positive, beneficial state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun כּוֹשָׁרָה (kôwshârâh, `{{H3574}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 68:7]]. The verse reads: "God sets the solitary in families; He leads forth the prisoners with prosperity (כּוֹשָׁרָה); but the rebellious dwell in a parched land."
In this profound poetic declaration, the context is God's powerful and redemptive action on behalf of His people. The phrase "He leads forth the prisoners with כּוֹשָׁרָה" stands in stark contrast to the fate of the rebellious. The most natural and semantically consistent interpretation of כּוֹשָׁרָה here is "prosperity," "well-being," or "success." God does not merely release the captives; He leads them into a flourishing state, characterized by freedom from want and affliction, and into a condition of wholeness. This aligns perfectly with the root's meaning of "being proper" or "successful."
While some interpretations attempt to force the "chain" meaning into this context (e.g., "He leads forth the prisoners *from* chains"), this requires an implied preposition and stretches the direct semantic range of כּוֹשָׁרָה. The word itself does not mean "chain." Rather, the verse emphasizes the *result* of God's liberating act: the prisoners are brought into a state of *prosperity* or *freedom*, a condition that is "proper" and "fitting" for those delivered by God. The Septuagint's translation of כּוֹשָׁרָה as "ἐν ἀνδρείᾳ" (en andreia), meaning "in strength" or "with courage," further supports a positive, empowering outcome, rather than a physical restraint. Thus, the singular biblical usage powerfully underscores God's benevolent and transformative deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root כָּשֵׁר (kāshēr, `{{H3787}}`), from which כּוֹשָׁרָה (kôwshârâh, `{{H3574}}`) is derived. This root's core meaning of "to be proper, right, fit, or successful" is foundational to understanding כּוֹשָׁרָה as "prosperity" or "well-being."
Conceptually, כּוֹשָׁרָה is closely linked to:
* **Divine Deliverance and Liberation:** As seen in [[Psalm 68:7]], it speaks of God's act of freeing the bound.
* **Divine Provision and Blessing:** The "prosperity" aspect highlights God's active role in providing for and enriching the lives of those He delivers.
* **Flourishing and Well-being:** It contrasts sharply with states of bondage, desolation, and rebellion, pointing to a life characterized by divine favor and success.
* **Justice and Righteousness:** The root's sense of "properness" connects to the idea that God's actions are just and establish a right order.
In contrast, other Hebrew words explicitly denote physical restraints or bondage, such as אֵסוּר (ʾêsûr, `{{H631}}`, "bond, imprisonment"), כֶּבֶל (kevel, `{{H3525}}`, "fetter, chain"), or נְחֻשְׁתַּיִם (nᵉḥushtayim, `{{H5178}}`, "bronze fetters"), highlighting that כּוֹשָׁרָה primarily describes the positive *condition* following liberation, not the means of restraint.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of כּוֹשָׁרָה (kôwshârâh, `{{H3574}}`) in [[Psalm 68:7]] carries profound theological weight. It reveals several key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
1. **God as the Liberator:** The verse powerfully portrays God as the one who actively intervenes to free the oppressed. He is not a distant deity but one who "leads forth the prisoners," demonstrating His compassion and power over human bondage.
2. **God as the Giver of Flourishing:** The use of כּוֹשָׁרָה emphasizes that God's liberation is not merely a release *from* something negative, but a leading *into* a state of positive flourishing, prosperity, and well-being. Divine deliverance is holistic, encompassing physical, social, and spiritual restoration.
3. **Divine Justice and Mercy:** The psalm contrasts the prosperity granted to the delivered with the barrenness faced by the rebellious. This highlights God's righteous judgment, which brings consequences for disobedience, while simultaneously showcasing His merciful provision for those who seek Him.
4. **The Nature of God's Kingdom:** The image of God setting the solitary in families and leading prisoners into prosperity paints a picture of a restored community and a redeemed existence under His benevolent rule. It speaks to the ultimate hope of a world where God's "proper" order is established, bringing success and well-being to His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כּוֹשָׁרָה (kôwshârâh, `{{H3574}}`), derived from the root כָּשֵׁר (kāshēr, `{{H3787}}`) meaning "to be proper, fit, or successful," primarily denotes "prosperity," "well-being," or "freedom." Although some lexicons suggest an idiomatic sense of "chain," its sole biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 68:7]] strongly supports the interpretation of a positive state. In this verse, God is depicted as leading forth the prisoners "with prosperity," signifying not just their release, but their restoration to a flourishing and unhindered life. This singular, yet potent, usage of כּוֹשָׁרָה underscores God's character as a compassionate Liberator and bountiful Provider, who transforms states of bondage and desolation into conditions of divine blessing and comprehensive well-being for those He delivers.
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