from the same as כּוּמָז; a cluster of stars, i.e. the Pleiades; Pleiades, seven stars.
Transliteration:Kîymâh
Pronunciation:kee-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כִּימָה (Kîymâh, `{{H3598}}`) is a noun that refers to a specific celestial body: the Pleiades. Its etymology is linked to כּוּמָז (kûwmâz, `{{H3556}}`), which denotes an ornament or bracelet, suggesting a visual connection to the clustered, sparkling appearance of the star group. Kîymâh precisely identifies this distinct open star cluster, visible to the naked eye, often known as "the Seven Sisters" due to the prominence of seven bright stars within the cluster, though it comprises hundreds more. The semantic range of Kîymâh is narrow, exclusively designating this particular astronomical formation, emphasizing its unique, tightly bound appearance in the night sky.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כִּימָה (Kîymâh, `{{H3598}}`) appears three times in the Old Testament, always in poetic and prophetic literature, highlighting God's creative power and cosmic sovereignty:
* **[[Job 9:9]]**: "He is the one who made the Bear and Orion, and the Pleiades and the chambers of the south." In Job's profound reflection on God's omnipotence, Kîymâh is listed alongside other prominent constellations (the Bear, Orion) as a testament to the Creator's unmatched power. This verse emphasizes God's vast dominion over the heavens, a realm far beyond human comprehension or control.
* **[[Job 38:31]]**: "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion?" In God's direct challenge to Job from the whirlwind, this rhetorical question underscores Job's (and humanity's) utter inability to manipulate or even comprehend the fixed order of the cosmos. The "chains" or "bands" of Kîymâh refer to the tightly clustered appearance of the Pleiades, implying an unbreakable, divinely ordained order that humans cannot disrupt. This serves to humble Job and highlight God's absolute control over creation.
* **[[Amos 5:8]]**: "He who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning and darkens the day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth—the LORD is his name." Here, Kîymâh is again paired with Orion in a powerful declaration of God's identity as the Creator. This verse is part of a prophetic call to seek the Lord, grounding the imperative in His undeniable power over both celestial and terrestrial phenomena. The mention of these constellations serves as irrefutable evidence of Yahweh's omnipotence and His sovereign control over all aspects of the natural world.
In all occurrences, Kîymâh functions as a striking example of God's creative wisdom and unchallengeable authority over the universe, often presented in parallel with other constellations to emphasize the vastness and intricate order of His handiwork.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of כִּימָה (Kîymâh, `{{H3598}}`) naturally connects with other terms and concepts related to celestial bodies and divine power:
* **Other Constellations:** Kîymâh is consistently mentioned alongside other prominent constellations:
* `{{H3906}}` (ʿAysh): "Bear" or "Arcturus" (e.g., [[Job 9:9]], [[Job 38:32]]).
* `{{H3685}}` (Kesiyl): "Orion" (e.g., [[Job 9:9]], [[Job 38:31]], [[Amos 5:8]]).
* `{{H4206}}` (Mazâlôth): "Constellations" or "Zodiac" (e.g., [[Job 38:32]], though its precise identification is debated).
* **Divine Attributes:** The contexts in which Kîymâh appears point to fundamental attributes of God:
* **Creation (בָּרָא, `{{H1254}}`):** God's act of bringing the universe into existence.
* **Omnipotence (כֹּחַ, `{{H3581}}`):** God's infinite power, demonstrated by His control over the vast cosmos.
* **Sovereignty (מֶלֶךְ, `{{H4428}}`):** God's supreme rule and authority over all creation.
* **Wisdom (חָכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`):** God's perfect knowledge and skill evident in the intricate order of the heavens.
* **Human Limitations:** The rhetorical questions in Job highlight the stark contrast between God's boundless power and human feebleness and ignorance. The inability to "bind the chains of the Pleiades" (Job 38:31) serves as a metaphor for humanity's lack of control over the natural world.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of כִּימָה (Kîymâh, `{{H3598}}`) in the biblical text carries profound theological weight:
* **Affirmation of Divine Authorship:** The consistent portrayal of God as the Maker of Kîymâh and other constellations unequivocally establishes Him as the sole Creator of the heavens. This stands in stark contrast to the prevalent polytheistic beliefs of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where celestial bodies were often deified or associated with various gods. The Bible asserts that the stars are not deities but creations of the one true God.
* **Evidence of God's Omnipotence and Order:** The very existence and predictable movements of the Pleiades serve as tangible proof of God's infinite power and meticulous wisdom. The "chains" or "bands" of the Pleiades, as mentioned in Job, metaphorically represent the divine ordination and maintenance of cosmic laws, testifying to a universe governed by a powerful and orderly Creator.
* **God's Transcendence and Incomprehensibility:** By challenging Job with questions about the Pleiades and other cosmic phenomena, God emphasizes that His ways and power are utterly beyond human comprehension or manipulation. This fosters humility and deepens awe before the Creator, reminding humanity of its finite nature in the face of infinite divine majesty.
* **Basis for Worship and Obedience:** In Amos, the mention of God as the Maker of Kîymâh is immediately followed by a call to "seek the LORD" (Amos 5:8). The vastness of God's creative power serves as a foundational reason for humanity to turn to Him in repentance, worship, and obedience. The Creator of such wonders is worthy of all adoration.
* **Implicit Condemnation of Idolatry:** By firmly placing the Pleiades within the realm of God's creation, the biblical text implicitly condemns the worship of celestial bodies, a practice explicitly forbidden in the Torah (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[2 Kings 23:5]]). The stars are not to be worshipped; rather, they serve as a witness to the glory of their Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כִּימָה (Kîymâh, `{{H3598}}`) specifically designates the Pleiades, a prominent star cluster. Its three occurrences in the Old Testament—two in the Book of Job and one in Amos—consistently serve to underscore the unparalleled power, wisdom, and sovereignty of God as the Creator of the cosmos. In Job, Kîymâh exemplifies God's unchallengeable control over creation, humbling human presumption and highlighting the limits of human understanding. In Amos, the mention of Kîymâh reinforces the prophetic call to worship the Lord, whose creative acts are irrefutable evidence of His divine authority and omnipotence. The consistent pairing of Kîymâh with other notable constellations like Orion and the Bear emphasizes the vastness and precise order of God's universe. Theologically, Kîymâh stands as a powerful testament to Yahweh's sole authorship of creation, His absolute control over all natural phenomena, and a perpetual reminder of His transcendent majesty, inviting profound awe and worship of the Creator rather than the idolatry of His creation.
TRV