### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H3642 (כָּמַהּ - kâmahh) is a primitive root, conveying the core sense of intense longing, yearning, or pining. It describes a deep emotional desire, often accompanied by a sense of absence or incompleteness that the desired object or person would fulfill. The nuance is not merely a simple wish, but an earnest, almost aching desire, suggesting a state of being consumed by the longing. It implies a strong emotional attachment and an ardent desire for reunion or possession. The definition "to pine after" captures this sense of yearning that can even lead to a state of emotional distress or preoccupation due to the intensity of the desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H3642 (כָּמַהּ - kâmahh) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, in [[Genesis 31:30]].
The context is Jacob's departure from Laban. Laban confronts Jacob, accusing him of stealing his household gods (teraphim). Jacob denies the theft, and then Laban shifts his accusation to Jacob's secret departure. Laban states, "And now, though you have longed (כָּמַהּ) greatly for your father's house, why did you steal my gods?"
Here, kâmahh describes Jacob's intense yearning for his ancestral home and his father's household. Laban acknowledges this deep desire as a plausible motivation for Jacob's departure, even while still accusing him of wrongdoing. The form used is a Hiphil perfect, *hikmahta*, which can emphasize an intensive or causative action—"you have indeed longed" or "you have greatly longed." This emphasizes the profound and compelling nature of this longing. It was not a casual wish but a powerful, driving force for Jacob to return to his family. This single occurrence, though rare, powerfully illuminates the depth of human familial attachment and the strong pull of one's heritage.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H3642 (כָּמַהּ - kâmahh) is rare, its semantic field connects it to other Hebrew words expressing desire, longing, or yearning, albeit with different nuances.
* [[H183 (אָוָה - 'avah)]]: To desire, covet, long for. Often used for a general desire or lust.
* [[H2530 (חָמַד - chamad)]]: To desire, covet, delight in. Can imply a strong attraction, sometimes illicit.
* [[H8378 (תָּאֲוָה - ta'avah)]]: Desire, longing, lust. Noun form of `{{H183}}`.
* [[H5315 (נֶפֶשׁ - nephesh)]]: Soul, self, life. Often used in expressions of deep desire, as the seat of emotions and appetites (e.g., "my soul longs").
* [[H866 (אָשַׁף - 'ashaph)]]: To long for, pant after. Often used of spiritual longing, as in [[Psalm 42:1]], conveying an intense, almost physical yearning. This is perhaps the closest in intensity and emotional depth to kâmahh when referring to a deep, spiritual or emotional longing.
The uniqueness of H3642 (כָּמַהּ - kâmahh) lies in its singular, powerful depiction of Jacob's specific longing for his father's house, which suggests a profound, almost primal connection to family and heritage.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H3642 (כָּמַהּ - kâmahh) in [[Genesis 31:30]] carries significant theological weight despite its rarity. It highlights the divine establishment of family and kinship as fundamental to human identity and well-being. Jacob's longing for his father's house is not merely a personal preference but reflects a deep-seated, God-given desire for belonging, security, and the fulfillment of covenant promises tied to his lineage. This longing is a natural and righteous one, even acknowledged by Laban, who himself was not always righteous.
The narrative context underscores the importance of the patriarchal family in God's redemptive plan. Jacob's return to Canaan was not simply an escape from Laban, but a divinely guided step towards the land promised to Abraham and Isaac, and the continuation of the covenant through his descendants. Thus, Jacob's "pining after" his father's house can be seen as a human reflection of the divine purpose for him to return and inherit the promises. It subtly points to the providential hand of God working through human desires to achieve His greater purposes for His people and the unfolding of salvation history.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H3642 (כָּמַהּ - kâmahh) denotes an intense, almost aching longing or pining for something or someone. Its sole appearance in [[Genesis 31:30]] powerfully describes Jacob's profound yearning for his father's household. This single usage underscores the deep human need for family, heritage, and belonging, reflecting the divinely ordained significance of kinship and the patriarchal line in biblical history. Jacob's intense desire serves as a poignant example of how deep human affections can align with and contribute to God's overarching redemptive plan, guiding individuals toward their destined place within the covenant community.
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