from כָּחַשׁ; literally a failure of flesh, i.e. emaciation; figuratively, hypocrisy; leanness, lies, lying.
Transliteration:kachash
Pronunciation:kakh'-ash
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun כַּחַשׁ (transliterated as kachash, `{{H3585}}`) is derived from the verbal root כָּחַשׁ (transliterated as kachash, `{{H3584}}`), which carries a dual semantic range: "to become lean, emaciated" and "to deny, deceive, lie." Consequently, the noun kachash reflects both of these primary senses, functioning as a concrete descriptor of physical state and an abstract representation of moral failing.
In its literal sense, kachash denotes a state of physical "leanness," "emaciation," or "wasting away." This refers to a reduction in substance, vitality, or prosperity, often in the context of famine or severe hardship. It describes a diminished physical condition, lacking fullness or vigor.
Figuratively, kachash signifies "hypocrisy," "lies," "falsehood," or "deceit." This meaning extends from the idea of a "denial" or "failing to acknowledge," implying a departure from truth or a presentation of something other than what is real. It speaks to a profound spiritual or moral emptiness, a lack of integrity that mirrors the physical lack of substance. The connection between these two senses can be understood as a form of "spiritual emaciation" – a hollow or insincere declaration that lacks true substance or commitment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun kachash appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are illustrative of its dual meaning:
1. **Physical Leanness/Emaciation:**
* In [[Genesis 47:19]], during the severe famine in Egypt, Joseph's brothers propose selling themselves and their land to Pharaoh, stating, "Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give us seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate [literally, 'lean' or 'emaciated,' using kachash]." Here, kachash clearly refers to the land becoming barren and unproductive, mirroring the physical decline of its inhabitants.
* [[Psalm 109:24]] presents a personal lament: "My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt [or 'lean,' kachash] from lack of oil." This verse uses kachash to describe the psalmist's extreme physical deterioration due to affliction and distress, emphasizing a loss of bodily substance and strength.
2. **Hypocrisy/Lies/Deceit:**
* [[Psalm 78:36]] critiques the insincerity of Israel: "But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him [or 'deceived him,' kachash] with their tongues." Here, kachash denotes a deceptive and insincere declaration of loyalty or repentance, which lacks genuine commitment and is contrary to their true intentions. It highlights a superficial adherence that masks deeper rebellion.
* [[Hosea 7:13]] condemns Israel's spiritual infidelity: "Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against Me! Though I would redeem them, yet they speak lies [or 'deceive,' kachash] against Me." This usage underscores the profound betrayal inherent in their false worship and covenant breaking, presenting a facade of piety while their hearts are far from God.
* [[Nahum 3:1]] pronounces judgment on Nineveh: "Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies [or 'deceit,' kachash] and plunder, whose prey never departs!" In this context, kachash describes a city characterized by its pervasive falsehood, deception, and treachery, indicating a deep moral corruption that permeates its very being.
These occurrences demonstrate kachash's capacity to describe both a tangible state of physical depletion and an intangible state of moral emptiness and deceit.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root כָּחַשׁ (transliterated as kachash, `{{H3584}}`), from which the noun kachash is derived. The verb `{{H3584}}` itself encompasses the meanings "to become lean," "to grow thin," and "to deny," "to disown," "to deceive," "to lie." The noun kachash (`{{H3585}}`) directly inherits these dual semantic fields.
Other related concepts include:
* **Truth and Falsehood:** kachash stands in stark contrast to אֱמֶת (emet, `{{H571}}`), meaning "truth," "faithfulness," or "firmness." It aligns with words like שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, `{{H8267}}`), "falsehood" or "lie," and מִרְמָה (mirmah, `{{H4820}}`), "deceit" or "treachery." The figurative use of kachash emphasizes a departure from divine truth and integrity.
* **Physical Deprivation:** In its literal sense, kachash relates to terms describing physical weakness or decline, such as דַּל (dal, `{{H1800}}`), meaning "poor," "weak," or "thin." It often appears in contexts of famine or suffering, highlighting human vulnerability and dependence.
* **Covenant Infidelity:** When kachash refers to lying or deceit, particularly towards God, it speaks to a breach of covenant. This connects it to concepts of rebellion (מֶרִי, meri, `{{H4805}}`) and unfaithfulness (מַעַל, maal, `{{H4604}}`).
The interplay between the physical and moral dimensions of kachash is crucial. Physical leanness can be a consequence of famine or judgment, while spiritual "leanness" (hypocrisy, lies) represents a deeper, internal decay that alienates one from God and His truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of kachash lies in its dual capacity to illustrate both the consequences of sin and the nature of human rebellion against God.
In its literal sense, kachash as physical leanness often serves as a sign of divine judgment or the natural consequence of a world marred by sin. Famine and emaciation demonstrate human vulnerability and dependence on God for sustenance and blessing. When the land becomes kachash (lean), it signifies a withdrawal of divine favor or a consequence of human disobedience, reminding humanity that true flourishing comes from the Creator. It underscores the fragility of life apart from God's provision.
More profoundly, kachash as hypocrisy or lies represents a fundamental affront to the character of God, who is truth (אֱמֶת, emet, `{{H571}}`) and faithfulness. Lying to God, as seen in [[Psalm 78:36]] and [[Hosea 7:13]], is not merely a verbal untruth but a deep spiritual deception, a pretense of loyalty or repentance that is devoid of genuine heart commitment. This spiritual kachash signifies a profound internal emptiness, a "leanness" of the soul that lacks the substance of true faith and obedience. It is an act of covenant breaking, denying God His rightful place and authority. Such deceit is portrayed as a grave sin that provokes divine judgment, as seen in [[Nahum 3:1]]. It reveals a heart that seeks to manipulate or evade divine scrutiny rather than submit in truth. The moral kachash underscores the biblical emphasis on integrity, sincerity, and wholehearted devotion as essential components of a right relationship with God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כַּחַשׁ (kachash, `{{H3585}}`) is a noun derived from a root that signifies both physical emaciation and moral deceit. It thus carries a dual semantic weight: literally, "leanness" or "wasting away," often in the context of famine or distress, as seen in [[Genesis 47:19]] and [[Psalm 109:24]]. Figuratively and more frequently in theological contexts, it denotes "hypocrisy," "lies," or "deceit," representing a profound lack of integrity or a deliberate falsehood, particularly in relation to God, as illustrated in [[Psalm 78:36]], [[Hosea 7:13]], and [[Nahum 3:1]]. The theological significance of kachash is profound, highlighting human vulnerability and dependence on God for physical sustenance, while also condemning the spiritual "leanness" of deceit and insincerity that undermines covenant relationship and provokes divine judgment. It stands as a powerful reminder of the biblical demand for truthfulness and wholehearted devotion in all aspects of life.
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