### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kâchad**, represented by `{{H3582}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning: "to secrete, by act or word" and, intensively, "to destroy." Its definitions include conceal, cut down (off), desolate, and hide. It appears **32 times** across **30 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating its use in contexts of both concealment and destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3582}}` describes two distinct actions. The first is concealment. Characters are frequently urged not to **hide** the truth, as when Joshua commands Achan to confess his actions and "**hide** it not" [[Joshua 7:19]], or when Samuel tells Eli everything and **hid** nothing [[1 Samuel 3:18]]. This theme extends to spiritual matters, with the psalmist proclaiming, "I have not **concealed** thy lovingkindness and thy truth" [[Psalms 40:10]]. The second major use of `{{H3582}}` is for destruction or being "cut off." This is often an act of divine judgment, as when God promises his angel will go before Israel and "I will **cut them off**" referring to the Canaanite nations [[Exodus 23:23]]. It can also describe the intentions of Israel's enemies, who conspire, "let us **cut them off** from being a nation" [[Psalms 83:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meanings of `{{H3582}}`:
* `{{H3680}}` **kâçâh** (to cover): This word parallels the "conceal" aspect of **kâchad**. It is used for covering sin [[Psalms 32:1]] and for God's action of covering nakedness as an act of covenant love [[Ezekiel 16:8]].
* `{{H5046}}` **nâgad** (to announce, expose, declare): This term often serves as the direct opposite of concealment. Those who sin openly "**declare** their sin as Sodom, they **hide** it not" [[Isaiah 3:9]], and prophets are commanded to "**declare** ye among the nations... and **conceal** not" [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die, kill): This word connects to the destructive sense of **kâchad**. In Zechariah's prophecy, the concepts are used in parallel: "that that dieth, let it **die**; and that that is to be **cut off**, let it be **cut off**" [[Zechariah 11:9]].
* `{{H8045}}` **shâmad** (to desolate, destroy): This is a strong synonym for the intensive meaning of **kâchad**. The consequence of Jeroboam's sin was "to **cut it off**, and to **destroy** it" from the earth [[1 Kings 13:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3582}}` is evident in its application to divine judgment and human accountability.
* **Divine Judgment:** To be "cut off" is a severe penalty from God. It is the fate promised to Pharaoh [[Exodus 9:15]], the unrighteous [[Job 4:7]], and unfaithful leaders [[Zechariah 11:8]], signifying complete removal and destruction.
* **Accountability before God:** Nothing can be **hid** from God. The psalmist acknowledges, "my sins are not **hid** from thee" [[Psalms 69:5]], and even in the womb, "My substance was not **hid** from thee" [[Psalms 139:15]]. This truth underscores the futility of trying to conceal actions or thoughts from the Almighty.
* **The Proclamation of Truth:** A refusal to **hide** or **conceal** God's works and words is a mark of righteousness. Believers are called to show God's praises to the next generation and "will not **hide** them" [[Psalms 78:4]]. Job holds fast to his integrity by stating, "I have not **concealed** the words of the Holy One" [[Job 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3582}}` is a powerful word that encapsulates the biblical tension between secrecy and revelation, and between destruction and preservation. On one hand, it refers to the negative act of hiding truth or sin. On the other, it describes the decisive and final judgment of being cut off by God. Its usage consistently demonstrates that what is hidden from man is never hidden from God, and that which is righteous should be declared, not concealed.
TRV