### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kilʼayim**, represented by `{{H3610}}`, refers to the concept of **two heterogeneities** or a mingled mixture. Derived from a root sense of separation, it is used to describe divers or mingled kinds. It appears **4 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within laws regarding prohibited mixtures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3610}}` is used within specific legal statutes that the Israelites were commanded to keep. These laws prohibit the mixing of things that are of different kinds. [[Leviticus 19:19]] provides a threefold application of this rule: it forbids letting **cattle** `{{H929}}` breed with a **diverse kind** `{{H3610}}`, sowing a **field** `{{H7704}}` with **mingled seed** `{{H3610}}`, and wearing a **garment** `{{H899}}` made of a **mingled** `{{H3610}}` fabric. [[Deuteronomy 22:9]] reiterates the agricultural law, commanding not to **sow** `{{H2232}}` a **vineyard** `{{H3754}}` with **divers seeds** `{{H3610}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{H3610}}` as a principle of separation within God's law:
* `{{H2232}}` **zâraʻ** (to sow): This root verb is central to the prohibition, as seen in the command not to **sow** a field with mingled seed [[Leviticus 19:19]].
* `{{H8162}}` **shaʻaṭnêz** (linsey-woolsey): This specific term for cloth of linen and wool spun together describes a forbidden **mingled** `{{H3610}}` garment [[Leviticus 19:19]].
* `{{H2708}}` **chuqqâh** (statute): This word establishes the legal framework for the prohibitions. The commands concerning `{{H3610}}` are introduced as "my **statutes**" which the people are to keep [[Leviticus 19:19]].
* `{{H6942}}` **qâdash** (to be clean, sanctify): This word is used to describe the consequence of violating the statute. The fruit of a vineyard sown with divers seeds would be **defiled** [[Deuteronomy 22:9]], meaning it would lose its consecrated status.
### Theological Significance
The laws concerning `{{H3610}}` carry significant theological weight related to holiness, purity, and divine order.
* **A Principle of Separation:** The prohibitions against mixing different kinds reflect a broader biblical theme of maintaining distinction. By obeying these statutes, the people demonstrated respect for the separate categories established by the Creator.
* **Avoiding Defilement:** The consequence of mixing seeds in a vineyard is that the harvest becomes **defiled** `{{H6942}}` [[Deuteronomy 22:9]]. The Hebrew root `{{H6942}}` is the same one used to "make holy" or **sanctify**, as when God **sanctified** the seventh day [[Genesis 2:3]]. This implies that mixing what God intended to be separate is an act that desecrates what should be kept pure.
* **Obedience to Divine Statutes:** The commands against `{{H3610}}` are explicitly framed as God's **statutes** `{{H2708}}` that must be kept [[Leviticus 19:19]]. Obedience to these tangible laws was a practical expression of Israel's covenant relationship with God and their commitment to all his ways [[Deuteronomy 11:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3610}}` **kilʼayim** is a specific term used in biblical law to forbid the mixture of different kinds. While its appearances are few, it illustrates a profound theological principle: that observing the distinct orders of creation is an integral part of holiness and obedience to God's **statutes** `{{H2708}}`. From agriculture to animal husbandry to clothing, these laws served as a constant reminder to Israel to live as a people set apart, avoiding any form of unholy mixture or defilement.
TRV