### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kᵉçîyl**, represented by `{{H3686}}`, refers to **Chesil**, a place in Palestine. It is a specific geographical name that appears **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text, marking its singular importance as a location in the historical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3686}}` is in the book of Joshua, where it is mentioned in a list of cities. This occurs in the context of defining territorial boundaries and settlements. The verse reads, "And Eltolad, and **Chesil**, and Hormah" [[Joshua 15:30]]. Here, **Chesil** is identified simply as one of several towns, situated between Eltolad and Hormah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word's context is defined by the other locations mentioned alongside it:
* `{{H513}}` **ʼEltôwlad** (God (is) generator; Eltolad, a place in Palestine; Eltolad): This town is listed directly before Chesil in the biblical record [[Joshua 15:30]]. Eltolad and Hormah are also listed together in another passage, suggesting a close geographical relationship [[Joshua 19:4]].
* `{{H2767}}` **Chormâh** (devoted; Chormah, a place in Palestine; Hormah): Listed immediately after Chesil, Hormah is a site with a significant history. It is mentioned as a place of battle and destruction against the Canaanites and Amalekites ([[Numbers 14:45]], [[Judges 1:17]]). The place was explicitly named Hormah after the Israelites utterly destroyed the Canaanites there [[Numbers 21:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3686}}` is primarily geographical and historical, understood through its context.
* **Territorial Marker:** Its inclusion in Joshua establishes **Chesil** as a recognized town within the landscape of ancient Palestine during the time of Israel's settlement.
* **Geographical Association:** The primary importance of **Chesil** is derived from its neighbors. It is firmly placed alongside Eltolad `{{H513}}` and Hormah `{{H2767}}`, anchoring its location within a known and historically active region [[Joshua 15:30]].
* **Part of a Record:** While **Chesil** itself has no narrative attached, its presence in the list in [[Joshua 15:30]] makes it part of the official biblical record of towns and cities, preserving its name for history.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3686}}` is a precise geographical term for the town of **Chesil**. Unlike words with deep theological meaning, its value lies in its single, specific reference in scripture. This mention serves to document its existence, placing it on the map of ancient Palestine and linking it permanently to the neighboring towns of Eltolad and Hormah. Its significance is not in abstract concepts, but in its concrete reality as a place in the biblical world.
TRV