English · KJV
H3685

כְּסִיל

Kᵉçîyl /kes-eel'/ Ask about this word
Rootthe same as כְּסִיל
Meaningany notable constellation; specifically Orion (as if a burly one)
KJV usageconstellation, Orion.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of Kᵉçîyl — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Kᵉçîyl, represented by H3685, refers to a notable constellation, specifically identified as Orion. It appears 4 times in 4 unique verses, where it is mentioned as a distinct and recognizable celestial body, often alongside other star formations, to illustrate God's creative power and authority.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical appearances, H3685 is consistently used to point to the majesty of God. Both Job and Amos identify God as the one who "maketh" Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades (Job 9:9, Amos 5:8). In a direct challenge to Job's understanding, God uses the constellation to highlight His supreme power, asking if Job can "loose the bands of Orion" Job 38:31. In a prophetic context, Isaiah uses the term more broadly for "constellations," which, along with the stars, will be darkened as a sign of judgment Isaiah 13:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a broader astronomical and creative context:

  • H3598 Kîymâh (a cluster of stars, i.e. the Pleiades): This term for the Pleiades appears alongside Orion in contexts that list God's created works in the heavens, such as when God is described as the one who "maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades" Job 9:9.
  • H6213 ʻâsâh (to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application): This foundational verb is used to describe God as the one who maketh H6213 the seven stars and Orion Amos 5:8, establishing them as the result of His divine action and power.
  • H3556 kôwkâb (a star (as round or as shining)): This general term for a star is used in conjunction with constellations H3685 to describe the celestial lights that will be darkened by God in a day of judgment Isaiah 13:10.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3685 is centered on God's relationship with His creation:

  • Marker of Creative Power: The mention of Orion serves as a direct testament to God's role as the maker of the heavens. He is the one who maketh H6213 specific, named constellations, demonstrating his magnificent and detailed power over the cosmos Job 9:9.
  • Symbol of Divine Sovereignty: The challenge given to Job, "Canst thou... loose the bands of Orion?" Job 38:31, uses the constellation to contrast human limitation with God's absolute authority. Man cannot control the celestial bodies, underscoring God's supreme governance over all things.
  • Sign of Judgment: In prophetic passages, the darkening of the constellations H3685 signifies divine judgment. Their failure to give their light is a cosmic sign of God's intervention and wrath upon the nations Isaiah 13:10.

Summary

In summary, H3685 is not merely an astronomical reference. It is a specific celestial landmark used in Scripture to illustrate profound theological truths. From being a prime example of God's creative power Amos 5:8 to a symbol of His untouchable sovereignty Job 38:31 and a portent of judgment Isaiah 13:10, Kᵉçîyl consistently points from the heavens back to the power and authority of their Creator.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 4 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • כְּסִיל
  • כְסִילֵי

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3598 כִּימָה from the same as כּוּמָז; a cluster of stars, i.e. the Pleiades; Pleiades, seven stars. H6213 עָשָׂה a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, H3556 כּוֹכָב probably from the same as כַּבּוֹן (in the sense of rolling) or כָּוָה (in the sense of blazing); a star (as round or as

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Job (2 verses); never once in the other 36.

2
Job
1
Isaiah
1
Amos

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.