from כָּלַם; disgrace; confusion, dishonour, reproach, shame.
Transliteration:kᵉlimmâh
Pronunciation:kel-im-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun כְּלִמָּה (kᵉlimmâh), Strong's `{{H3639}}`, derives from the verbal root כָּלַם (kālam) `{{H3637}}`, meaning "to be shamed, disgraced, humiliated." As such, kᵉlimmâh denotes the *state* or *result* of being shamed. Its core meaning centers on "disgrace" and "shame," encompassing a profound sense of dishonor, humiliation, and public reproach. The semantic range extends to "confusion," which often accompanies the experience of shame, particularly when one's expectations are dashed or one's actions lead to an unexpected, humiliating outcome. It implies a loss of standing, dignity, or honor, often in the eyes of others or before God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
כְּלִמָּה appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, frequently in poetic and prophetic literature, highlighting its strong emotional and theological weight.
In the Psalms, it often describes the personal anguish of the righteous who suffer reproach or the shame that covers the face of one in distress: "All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face" [[Psalm 44:15]]. Similarly, [[Psalm 69:7]] speaks of bearing reproach for God's sake, indicating that kᵉlimmâh can be experienced by the faithful due to their allegiance.
In the prophetic books, kᵉlimmâh frequently serves as a consequence of Israel's disobedience or misplaced trust. For instance, reliance on foreign powers rather than on Yahweh is depicted as leading to kᵉlimmâh: "Therefore the Pharaoh's protection will be your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation" [[Isaiah 30:3]]. Here, the word underscores the futility and ultimate disgrace of seeking help outside of God.
Furthermore, kᵉlimmâh is a common descriptor of divine judgment against those who oppose God or His people. In [[Jeremiah 20:11]], the prophet declares that his persecutors will suffer "eternal disgrace" that "will never be forgotten," emphasizing the lasting and irreversible nature of God's judgment. Similarly, in [[Micah 7:10]], the enemy is promised that "shame will cover her who said to me, 'Where is the LORD your God?'" illustrating the vindication of God's people and the humiliation of their adversaries. The nation of Israel is also said to bear the kᵉlimmâh of the nations due to their sin [[Ezekiel 36:6]], highlighting the public dishonor brought upon them by their unfaithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
כְּלִמָּה is closely related to its verbal root כָּלַם (kālam) `{{H3637}}`, which describes the act of being shamed or put to shame. It often appears in parallel or conjunction with other Hebrew terms for shame, disgrace, and reproach, underscoring a rich semantic field.
Key related terms include:
* בּוּשׁ (bûš) `{{H954}}`: "to be ashamed, confounded." This verb and its noun forms (e.g., בֹּשֶׁת, bōšet `{{H1322}}`, "shame, confusion") are frequently used interchangeably or in conjunction with kᵉlimmâh to express similar concepts of humiliation and disappointment.
* חֶרְפָּה (ḥerpâh) `{{H2781}}`: "reproach, scorn, disgrace." This noun is particularly close in meaning to kᵉlimmâh and often appears alongside it, emphasizing public scorn and the dishonor associated with it.
The concept of kᵉlimmâh is intrinsically linked to themes of honor and shame, which were paramount in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It speaks to the loss of face, the public exposure of failure, and the consequences of moral or covenantal transgression.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כְּלִמָּה is multifaceted:
1. **Consequence of Sin and Disobedience:** Most prominently, kᵉlimmâh serves as a tangible consequence of sin, idolatry, and disobedience to God's covenant. It reveals the inherent shame that results from turning away from the source of true honor and life. This shame is not merely psychological but a divinely ordained outcome, reflecting the brokenness of the relationship with God.
2. **Divine Judgment and Justice:** God actively brings kᵉlimmâh upon those who defy Him, whether nations or individuals. It is an expression of His righteous judgment, particularly against pride, rebellion, and false security. The "eternal disgrace" mentioned in Jeremiah highlights the lasting nature of divine retribution for persistent unfaithfulness.
3. **Suffering of the Righteous:** Paradoxically, the righteous may also experience kᵉlimmâh (reproach) for God's sake, as seen in the Psalms. This suffering, however, is distinct from the shame of the wicked; it is often a temporary trial that ultimately leads to vindication and the shaming of their adversaries when God acts.
4. **Promise of Restoration:** For Israel, the removal of kᵉlimmâh is a significant sign of God's grace and restoration. When God acts to save His people, their shame is lifted, and their honor is restored, often in the eyes of the very nations who previously scorned them. This speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant and His power to redeem.
5. **Messianic Foreshadowing:** The concept of bearing reproach and shame finds its ultimate fulfillment in the suffering of the Messiah. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, endured profound kᵉlimmâh on the cross, taking upon Himself the shame and disgrace due to humanity's sin, thus offering a path to true honor and reconciliation with God.
### Summary
כְּלִמָּה (kᵉlimmâh), derived from the root כָּלַם `{{H3637}}`, is a potent Hebrew term signifying disgrace, shame, dishonor, and confusion. It powerfully conveys the state of profound humiliation, often resulting from a loss of dignity or public standing. In the biblical narrative, kᵉlimmâh is frequently depicted as a direct consequence of sin, disobedience, and misplaced trust, serving as an expression of divine judgment upon those who rebel against God. While primarily associated with the punishment of the wicked, it also describes the temporary reproach endured by the righteous, which ultimately gives way to divine vindication. The removal of kᵉlimmâh is a key indicator of God's restorative work for His people, underscoring the deep theological connection between sin, shame, and God's ultimate justice and mercy.
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