apparently a contraction for כִּסֵּא, but probably by erroneous transcription for נֵס; {a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token}; sworn.
Transliteration:kêç
Pronunciation:kace
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma כֵּס (kêç, `{{H3676}}`) presents a unique challenge in biblical lexicography due to its sparse occurrence and complex etymological notes. The Strong's Concordance suggests it is "apparently a contraction for `{{H3678}}` (כִּסֵּא, 'throne'), but probably by erroneous transcription for `{{H5251}}` (נֵס, 'flag, standard, signal')." If the latter hypothesis holds, its semantic range would include "a flag, a sail, a flagstaff, generally a signal, or figuratively, a token." This proposed connection to `{{H5251}}` implies a meaning related to a visible marker or rallying point.
However, the actual biblical usage of כֵּס points to a different semantic field. In its sole occurrence, it is widely understood to signify "full moon" or "appointed time," likely derived from a root meaning "to cover" (cf. `{{H3680}}`, כָּסָה), referring to the moon's "covered" or "hidden" state just before or at its fullness, marking a specific time. The Strong's definition also appends "sworn," which might relate to an "appointed" or "fixed" time, or represent a distinct, less attested meaning. Therefore, כֵּס primarily denotes a fixed or appointed period, specifically linked to the lunar cycle, rather than a physical standard or signal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כֵּס (kêç, `{{H3676}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text: [[Proverbs 7:20]].
In [[Proverbs 7:20]], the seductive woman describes her husband's absence: "For he took a bag of money with him, and will come home at the full moon." The phrase in question is בְּיוֹם הַכֵּס (b'yom hakkes), which is best translated as "on the day of the full moon" or "on the appointed day." This interpretation aligns with ancient Near Eastern practices where the full moon marked specific times for travel, festivals, or financial transactions. The context in Proverbs is one of deception and temptation, where the husband's prolonged absence, until a specific and perhaps distant appointed time, creates an opportunity for the adulteress.
This usage in [[Proverbs 7:20]] clearly deviates from the "flag" or "signal" meaning suggested by the proposed etymological link to `{{H5251}}` (נֵס). Instead, it points to a temporal significance, indicative of a fixed or determined period, likely rooted in the observation of the lunar cycle. The "sworn" aspect of the Strong's definition could potentially be understood as an "appointed" or "fixed" time, as if by agreement or oath.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word, as suggested by the Strong's definition for כֵּס (kêç, `{{H3676}}`), is `{{H5251}}` (נֵס, *nes*), meaning "flag, standard, signal." While Strong's posits כֵּס as a possible erroneous transcription of נֵס, the contextual usage in [[Proverbs 7:20]] does not support this semantic connection.
A more direct semantic relationship for כֵּס in [[Proverbs 7:20]] appears to be with the root `{{H3680}}` (כָּסָה, *kasah*), meaning "to cover, conceal." This connection underpins the interpretation of כֵּס as "full moon," referring to the moon's "covered" or "hidden" state (e.g., during conjunction or leading up to fullness, or perhaps the "covered" or "closed" day of the full moon itself as an appointed time). This semantic link is widely accepted in scholarly lexicons for the specific usage in Proverbs.
Other related concepts include:
* **Appointed Time:** This highlights the precise and predetermined nature of the husband's return in [[Proverbs 7:20]].
* **Lunar Cycle:** The full moon was a significant marker in ancient calendars and for various activities.
* **Standards/Signals:** While not directly applicable to כֵּס in its sole biblical occurrence, the proposed link to `{{H5251}}` (נֵס) would connect it to themes of divine rallying points, prophetic signs, or military banners (e.g., [[Isaiah 11:12]]).
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence and specific contextual meaning in [[Proverbs 7:20]], כֵּס (kêç, `{{H3676}}`) does not carry a broad, independent theological significance. Its primary contribution is to the precise narrative detail within the wisdom literature.
In the context of Proverbs, the mention of the husband's return "at the full moon" underscores the calculated nature of the adulteress's deception. It highlights the passage of time and the eventual accountability, even if delayed. This detail reinforces the moral lesson of the chapter, where the enticements of sin are temporary and ultimately lead to destruction, even when opportunities seem to arise from the absence of oversight.
If one were to consider the *hypothetical* connection to `{{H5251}}` (נֵס, 'signal' or 'standard'), then כֵּס would theoretically touch upon themes of divine guidance, the gathering of God's people, or prophetic signs (as seen with נֵס in passages like [[Isaiah 49:22]] or [[Jeremiah 4:6]]). However, this theological significance is not borne out by the actual biblical usage of כֵּס itself. The word's true theological weight lies in its contribution to the nuanced portrayal of human behavior and the consequences of moral choices within the book of Proverbs.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כֵּס (kêç, `{{H3676}}`) is a rare lemma, appearing only once in the biblical text at [[Proverbs 7:20]]. Despite complex etymological suggestions linking it to כִּסֵּא (throne, `{{H3678}}`) or נֵס (flag/signal, `{{H5251}}`), its sole contextual usage points to a meaning of "full moon" or "appointed time." This interpretation is likely derived from a root meaning "to cover" (cf. `{{H3680}}`), referring to the lunar cycle. In [[Proverbs 7:20]], כֵּס precisely defines the timing of a husband's return, highlighting the calculated nature of temptation and the passage of time within the narrative of wisdom and folly. While its direct theological impact is limited, it serves as a testament to the meticulous detail of biblical language in conveying specific circumstances and moral lessons.
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