### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kᵉlimmâh**, represented by `{{H3639}}`, is a term for **disgrace, confusion, dishonour, reproach, and shame**. Derived from the root word כָּלַם (kâlam), it appears **30 times** across **29 unique verses**. This word typically describes a deep and often public humiliation, frequently linked to sin, defeat, or divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3639}}` is used to express various forms of profound dishonor. It can describe the suffering of the righteous, as when the servant in Isaiah does not hide his face from "shame `{{H3639}}` and spitting" [[Isaiah 50:6]]. More often, it represents the consequence of sin and disobedience, where Israel's "confusion `{{H3639}}` covereth us" because they sinned against God [[Jeremiah 3:25]]. The term is also used in prophetic judgments against God's enemies and idol makers, who are promised an "everlasting confusion `{{H3639}}`" ([[Jeremiah 20:11]], [[Isaiah 45:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the full scope of shame and dishonor:
* `{{H1322}}` **bôsheth**: This word for **shame** is often paired with `{{H3639}}`, creating a strong emphasis on humiliation, such as when adversaries are to be clothed with "shame `{{H1322}}` and dishonour `{{H3639}}`" [[Psalms 35:26]].
* `{{H2781}}` **cherpâh**: Defined as **contumely, disgrace, rebuke, or reproach**, this term is used alongside `{{H3639}}` to describe the experience of being scorned, as seen when "shame `{{H3639}}` hath covered our faces" after hearing "reproach `{{H2781}}`" [[Jeremiah 51:51]].
* `{{H3637}}` **kâlam**: As the root verb meaning to **taunt or insult**, it describes the action that leads to the state of `{{H3639}}`. Ezekiel prophesies that the unfaithful will be "confounded `{{H3637}}`" and "bear thine own shame `{{H3639}}`" [[Ezekiel 16:54]].
* `{{H954}}` **bûwsh**: A primitive root meaning to **be ashamed**, this verb is frequently used to describe the state of those who experience `{{H3639}}`. God's enemies will be "greatly ashamed `{{H954}}`" and face "everlasting confusion `{{H3639}}`" [[Jeremiah 20:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3639}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's relationship with humanity.
* **Consequence of Sin:** The term is consistently used to describe the outcome of disobedience and idolatry. Priests who committed abominations are told they must "bear their shame `{{H3639}}`" [[Ezekiel 44:13]], linking dishonor directly to sinful actions.
* **Divine Judgment:** God brings `{{H3639}}` upon the wicked and the enemies of His people as a form of justice. The psalmist prays for adversaries to be "covered with reproach and dishonour `{{H3639}}`" [[Psalms 71:13]], and God promises the heathen will "bear their shame `{{H3639}}`" [[Ezekiel 36:7]].
* **Vicarious Suffering:** The word appears in passages with messianic overtones, where a righteous individual endures undeserved humiliation for God's sake. The psalmist declares, "for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame `{{H3639}}` hath covered my face" [[Psalms 69:7]].
* **Promise of Restoration:** Scripture promises a future where God will remove the dishonor from His people. They will receive "double" for their shame and "confusion `{{H3639}}`," and will no longer "bear the shame `{{H3639}}` of the heathen" ([[Isaiah 61:7]], [[Ezekiel 34:29]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3639}}` **kᵉlimmâh** is not merely an emotion but a state of profound disgrace and dishonor. It functions as a theological marker for the consequences of sin, the certainty of divine judgment on wickedness, and the suffering endured by the righteous. Ultimately, the promise to remove this shame points to God's power to restore honor and bring everlasting joy to His people.
TRV