a primitive root; to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy; conceal, cut down (off), desolate, hide.
Transliteration:kâchad
Pronunciation:kaw-khad'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H3582}}` (כָּחַד, *kâchad*) is a primitive root primarily conveying the sense of "to hide" or "to conceal." This concealment can manifest in various ways: physically secreting an object, withholding information, or keeping a matter secret. The semantic range extends to include an intensified meaning, often translated as "to destroy," "to cut down (off)," or "to desolate." This intensive sense implies making something disappear so thoroughly that it is as if it no longer exists, or by rendering it desolate through removal. Thus, *kâchad* encompasses both the act of putting something out of sight or knowledge, and the more severe consequence of its complete removal or annihilation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H3582}}` in the Hebrew Bible largely centers on the theme of concealment, particularly in moral and theological contexts.
1. **Concealment of Truth or Sin:** This is the most prevalent application.
* In the narrative of Achan's sin, Joshua implores him, "My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and make confession to him, and tell me now what you have done; do not `{{H3582}}` it from me" [[Joshua 7:19]]. Here, *kâchad* refers to the concealment of a transgression.
* Similarly, Samuel is sternly warned by Eli not to "hide" any part of God's message from him [[1 Samuel 3:17-18]].
* The wisdom literature frequently employs *kâchad* in relation to human behavior. Job asserts his integrity, stating, "For I have not `{{H3582}}` the words of the Holy One" [[Job 6:10]]. Conversely, the wicked are depicted as those who "proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not `{{H3582}}` it" [[Isaiah 3:9]].
* Perhaps most significantly, [[Proverbs 28:13]] declares, "Whoever `{{H3582}}`s his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." This verse encapsulates the theological implications of attempting to hide from God.
* The psalmist affirms his public witness: "I have not `{{H3582}}` your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation" [[Psalm 40:10]].
2. **Intensive Sense: Destruction or Desolation:** While less frequent as a direct action of destruction, this meaning often appears in contexts where something is rendered utterly absent or exposed to ruin.
* In prophetic judgment, the inability to hide leads to desolation. Of Edom, the Lord declares, "But I have stripped Esau bare; I have uncovered his hiding places; he shall not be able to `{{H3582}}` himself" [[Jeremiah 49:10]]. The consequence of not being able to conceal is exposure and ruin.
* Similarly, Obadiah speaks of Esau's treasures being searched out, implying that what was hidden is now revealed and lost, leading to desolation: "How Esau has been ransacked, his hidden treasures searched out!" [[Obadiah 1:6]]. Here, the passive form suggests that what was hidden is no longer so, leading to a state of being "cut off" or "desolated."
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of hiding and revealing is central to biblical theology, and `{{H3582}}` interacts with several related terms:
* **`{{H5641}}` (sāṯar):** A very common verb meaning "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden." While often synonymous with *kâchad* in the sense of concealment, *sāṯar* can also refer to God hiding His face or to refuge, whereas *kâchad* often carries a stronger connotation of intentional secrecy, especially concerning sin or truth.
* **`{{H6845}}` (ṣāphan):** "to hide," "to store up," often implying preservation or protection, as in storing up treasures or wisdom.
* **`{{H1540}}` (gālâ):** The antonym, meaning "to uncover," "to reveal," "to disclose." This word often stands in direct opposition to *kâchad*, as what is hidden must eventually be revealed.
* **`{{H2300}}` (ḥāśaf):** "to strip bare," "to uncover," often in the context of exposure or shame.
Thematically, *kâchad* is deeply intertwined with concepts of truth, falsehood, integrity, judgment, and divine omniscience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3582}}` is profound, touching upon several core doctrines:
1. **Divine Omniscience and Justice:** The recurring motif is the futility of attempting to `{{H3582}}` anything from God. God sees all, knows all, and nothing can truly be hidden from Him. This underscores His perfect knowledge and the certainty of His justice. Even the deepest secrets of the heart are laid bare before Him. The attempt to `{{H3582}}` sin is an act of defiance against God's omniscient gaze and His moral order.
2. **Human Sin and Accountability:** The impulse to `{{H3582}}` sin is a fundamental aspect of the fallen human condition, stemming from a desire to avoid consequences or maintain an outward appearance of righteousness. However, the biblical witness consistently affirms that such concealment leads to spiritual barrenness and divine judgment, as articulated in [[Proverbs 28:13]]. True restoration and mercy are found not in hiding, but in confession and repentance.
3. **Revelation vs. Concealment:** In contrast to humanity's tendency to `{{H3582}}` evil, God is portrayed as one who does not `{{H3582}}` His truth, His faithfulness, or His purposes from His people. He is a God who reveals Himself and His will, inviting humanity into open relationship rather than secrecy. Conversely, God may `{{H3582}}` His face or His counsel from the wicked as a form of judgment.
4. **The Unveiling of Hidden Things:** The intensive meaning of `{{H3582}}` (to destroy/desolate by uncovering) points to the eschatological reality that all hidden things, whether good or evil, will eventually be brought to light. What is `{{H3582}}` now will ultimately be exposed, leading either to vindication or condemnation.
### Summary
`{{H3582}}` (כָּחַד, *kâchad*) is a Hebrew verb whose primary meaning is "to hide" or "to conceal," encompassing both physical acts of secreting and the withholding of information or truth. Its intensified sense denotes "to destroy" or "to cut off," signifying the complete disappearance or desolation of something, often as a consequence of divine judgment or the inability to remain hidden. Biblically, *kâchad* frequently highlights the human tendency to conceal sin and the futility of such attempts before an omniscient God. The word underscores the theological truths of divine knowledge, human accountability, the necessity of confession, and the ultimate revelation of all hidden matters in God's perfect justice.
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