or כֵּלַי; from כּוּל in the sense of withholding; niggardly; churl.
Transliteration:kîylay
Pronunciation:kee-lah'-ee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3596}}` (kîylay), also appearing as כֵּלַי (kêlay), derives from the verbal root `{{H3557}}` (kûl), which primarily means "to contain," "to sustain," or "to provide." However, in the context of `{{H3596}}`, the root takes on the specific sense of "withholding" or "holding back." This semantic development is crucial, as it transforms a word associated with capacity and provision into one denoting the deliberate refusal of such.
Consequently, `{{H3596}}` describes a person who is "niggardly," meaning extremely stingy or ungenerous, characterized by an unwillingness to give or spend. The alternative rendering, "churl," further emphasizes a rude, boorish, or ill-mannered disposition, often stemming from or accompanied by a miserly nature. Thus, `{{H3596}}` signifies not merely an economic state but a profound character flaw: one who is tight-fisted, uncharitable, and potentially uncouth due to their avarice and lack of benevolence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3596}}` is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once, yet its solitary occurrence is highly impactful, found in the prophetic book of Isaiah.
* **[[Isaiah 32:5]]**: "No longer will the fool be called noble, nor the **churl** be said to be bountiful."
* **[[Isaiah 32:7]]**: "The instruments of the **churl** are evil; he devises wicked schemes to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the poor speak justly."
In [[Isaiah 32]], the prophet contrasts the present corrupt state of society with a future era of righteous rule (often understood as messianic). The "churl" (`{{H3596}}`) is paralleled with the "fool" (נָבָל, `{{H5036}}`) in [[Isaiah 32:5]], both representing individuals whose character and actions are antithetical to nobility and generosity.
Verse 6 elaborates on the "fool's" actions, describing how he "leaves the hungry empty and withholds water from the thirsty." While this verse directly describes the "fool," the close parallelism strongly implies similar actions by the "churl." Verse 7 then explicitly condemns the "churl," stating that his "instruments" (כְּלֵי, `{{H3627}}`, meaning his means or devices) are "evil" (`{{H7451}}`). He is characterized by actively devising "wicked schemes" to oppress and "destroy the poor with lying words," even when the poor are speaking justly.
This context paints a vivid picture of the `{{H3596}}` as a morally bankrupt individual whose stinginess is not merely passive but an active force of injustice and exploitation against the vulnerable. The prophecy promises a reversal of this unjust order, where such individuals will no longer be esteemed.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3557}}` (kûl):** The root of `{{H3596}}`. While `{{H3557}}` can denote the capacity to contain or sustain, its derivative `{{H3596}}` highlights the *failure* or *refusal* to fulfill this capacity, particularly in terms of provision and generosity.
* **`{{H5036}}` (nābāl):** "Fool." The parallelism in [[Isaiah 32:5-6]] links the "churl" directly to the "fool," a figure characterized by moral depravity, godlessness, and a lack of wisdom, often manifesting in a refusal to acknowledge God or act justly. Both epitomize a profound moral deficiency.
* **`{{H7451}}` (rā‘a‘):** "Evil" or "wickedness." The actions and "instruments" of the `{{H3596}}` are explicitly described as evil in [[Isaiah 32:7]], underscoring the severe moral condemnation attached to this character.
* **Generosity (e.g., נָדִיב, `{{H5081}}` "noble, generous"):** The concept of the `{{H3596}}` stands in stark contrast to biblical virtues of open-handedness, hospitality, and active care for the poor and needy. The "churl" is the antithesis of the "noble" (נָדִיב) who will be recognized in the future kingdom, as mentioned in [[Isaiah 32:5]].
* **Justice (`{{H4941}}`) and Righteousness (`{{H6666}}`):** The `{{H3596}}` embodies the opposite of these core biblical principles, actively engaging in schemes to oppress the poor rather than upholding equity and moral rectitude.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet powerful use of `{{H3596}}` in [[Isaiah 32]] serves as a profound theological indictment. It is not merely a descriptive term for someone who is frugal; rather, it is a moral condemnation of those who actively withhold good and exploit the vulnerable for personal gain. In the prophetic vision of Isaiah, the "churl" represents the embodiment of the societal corruption and injustice that God intends to rectify.
Theologically, the "churl" stands as the antithesis of God's character, which is inherently generous, just, and compassionate towards the afflicted. The promised future kingdom, under a righteous king, will usher in an era where the values of the "churl" are overturned, and genuine generosity, justice, and provision for the needy prevail. This passage highlights that stinginess, especially when it leads to the oppression of the poor and the denial of basic human needs, is not a neutral trait but a manifestation of deep-seated wickedness. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with divine principles. God's judgment is pronounced against avarice and social injustice, underscoring the divine expectation for His people to reflect His own generous and righteous nature.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3596}}` (kîylay) describes a "niggardly" or "churlish" individual, derived from a root meaning "to contain" but used in the specific sense of "withholding." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 32:5,7]] powerfully portrays such a person as morally corrupt, actively engaging in malicious schemes to exploit the poor and vulnerable. The "churl" is depicted as embodying the antithesis of generosity, justice, and compassion, standing condemned in the prophetic vision of a future righteous kingdom where such wickedness will no longer be esteemed. The word thus encapsulates a severe theological and moral indictment against avarice and social injustice, highlighting God's abhorrence for those who oppress the needy through their stinginess and malevolence.
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