from כָּסָה; a cover (garment); figuratively, a veiling; covering, raiment, vesture.
Transliteration:kᵉçûwth
Pronunciation:kes-ooth'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun כְּסוּת (kᵉçûwth, `{{H3682}}`) is derived from the verbal root כָּסָה (kasah, `{{H3680}}`), meaning "to cover, conceal, or hide." As a noun, כְּסוּת refers to the *object* that provides covering. Its primary semantic range includes:
* **A literal covering or garment:** This is its most frequent usage, referring to an article of clothing or raiment that provides physical concealment, warmth, or modesty. It can denote a general "covering" rather than a specific type of garment.
* **Figurative veiling or concealment:** In a broader, metaphorical sense, it can refer to anything that hides or obscures, whether physically or conceptually.
* **Protection:** By extension of its function as a covering, it implies protection from elements or exposure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
כְּסוּת appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Garment/Clothing:**
* In [[Deuteronomy 22:12]], it refers to the "four corners of your cloak" (literally, "covering") upon which Israelites were commanded to place tassels, emphasizing the garment's role in reminding them of God's commandments.
* [[Job 24:7]] and [[Job 31:19]] lament the plight of the poor who lack כְּסוּת (covering/clothing) to protect them from the cold, highlighting its essential function for survival and the social responsibility to provide for the needy.
* [[Micah 2:8]] condemns those who "strip the robe" (literally, "covering") from peaceful individuals, illustrating an act of severe injustice and oppression.
* **Figurative Covering/Dignity:**
* In [[Genesis 20:16]], Abimelech's gift of silver to Sarah is described as a "covering of the eyes" for her, likely signifying a vindication or restoration of her honor and dignity in the eyes of all, effectively "covering" the shame or misunderstanding.
* [[Proverbs 31:25]] beautifully describes the virtuous woman: "Strength and dignity are her כְּסוּת (covering); she smiles at the future." Here, her character traits serve as her metaphorical "garment," providing true security and honor.
* [[Ezekiel 16:8]] uses כְּסוּת powerfully in the context of God's covenant with Israel. God says, "I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness," where כְּסוּת refers to the covering that provides modesty, dignity, and acceptance, symbolizing His redemptive and covenantal love.
* **Cosmic/Divine Concealment:**
* [[Job 26:6]] declares, "Sheol is naked before Him, and Abaddon has no כְּסוּת (covering)." This profound statement emphasizes God's omniscience; nothing, not even the deepest realms of the dead, can be concealed from His sight.
* [[Isaiah 50:3]] uses כְּסוּת in a cosmic sense: "I clothe the heavens with blackness and make sackcloth their כְּסוּת (covering)." This imagery depicts the heavens as being draped in darkness, perhaps symbolizing divine judgment or mourning.
### Related Words & Concepts
כְּסוּת is part of a semantic field related to clothing, covering, and concealment.
* **כָּסָה (kasah, `{{H3680}}`)**: The verbal root from which כְּסוּת is derived. It means "to cover, conceal, hide." כְּסוּת is the physical result or object of this action.
* **בֶּגֶד (beged, `{{H899}}`)**: A general term for "garment" or "clothing." While כְּסוּת often specifies the *function* of the garment as a covering, בֶּגֶד is a broader category.
* **לְבוּשׁ (levush, `{{H3830}}`)**: Another common word for "clothing" or "apparel," often referring to attire or specific garments.
* **שִׂמְלָה (simlah, `{{H8071}}`)**: Refers to an outer garment, cloak, or mantle, often used for warmth or as a pledge. כְּסוּוּת can encompass such items.
The concept of כְּסוּת also intersects with:
* **Modesty and Shame:** The need for covering after the Fall ([[Genesis 3:21]], though not using `{{H3682}}`, sets the theological precedent).
* **Social Justice:** The imperative to provide clothing for the poor and vulnerable.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ability to see all and His power to "clothe" or "unclothe" creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of כְּסוּת are rich and varied:
* **Divine Provision and Redemption:** God is depicted as the ultimate provider of כְּסוּת. While not using `{{H3682}}` directly, the act of God making "garments of skin" for Adam and Eve ([[Genesis 3:21]]) after their sin establishes a foundational theological truth: God provides a covering for human shame and vulnerability. This theme is powerfully echoed in [[Ezekiel 16:8]], where God's "spreading His skirt" and providing a כְּסוּת for Israel symbolizes His covenantal love, redemption, and restoration of dignity to a people who were exposed and shamed.
* **Human Vulnerability and Social Responsibility:** The absence of כְּסוּת highlights human vulnerability and destitution. Passages like [[Job 24:7]] and [[Job 31:19]] underscore the biblical mandate for compassion and justice, urging humanity to provide for the basic needs of the poor, including appropriate clothing.
* **Omniscience of God:** The declaration that "Sheol... has no כְּסוּת" before God ([[Job 26:6]]) serves as a profound statement on divine omniscience. It communicates that no darkness, no hidden place, no human thought or deed, can be concealed from the all-seeing eyes of the Almighty.
* **Inner Character as True Adornment:** [[Proverbs 31:25]] elevates the concept of כְּסוּת beyond mere physical attire, portraying "strength and dignity" as the true "covering" of the virtuous woman. This suggests that one's inner character, righteousness, and moral integrity are the most significant and lasting forms of adornment and protection.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun כְּסוּת (kᵉçûwth, `{{H3682}}`), stemming from the root כָּסָה (`{{H3680}}`) "to cover," primarily signifies a "covering" or "garment." Its usage in the biblical text ranges from literal clothing essential for warmth, modesty, and protection ([[Deuteronomy 22:12]], [[Job 24:7]]) to profound metaphorical applications. כְּסוּת can represent the restoration of dignity and honor ([[Genesis 20:16]], [[Ezekiel 16:8]]), the inherent strength of character ([[Proverbs 31:25]]), and the inescapable reality of divine omniscience, where even the deepest realms have no "covering" from God's gaze ([[Job 26:6]]). Ultimately, כְּסוּת serves as a potent word that speaks to both the physical necessities of human life and profound theological truths concerning God's provision, human responsibility, and the nature of divine knowledge.
TRV