a primitive root; properly, to be fat, i.e. (figuratively) silly; be foolish.
Transliteration:kâçal
Pronunciation:kaw-sal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root כָּסַל (kâçal, `{{H3688}}`) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to be fat" or "to be thick." This literal sense provides the foundation for its figurative, and more common, biblical application. From the physical state of being "thick" or "heavy," the meaning extends metaphorically to a mental or spiritual dullness, hence "to be silly" or "to be foolish." This foolishness is not merely a lack of intellectual capacity, but often implies a moral insensitivity, a dullness of understanding, or a willful refusal to comprehend or act wisely. It suggests a mind that is unresponsive or resistant to instruction, akin to a body that is sluggish due to excess.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal form of כָּסַל (kâçal, `{{H3688}}`) is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences illuminate both its literal and figurative senses. In [[Job 15:27]], it appears in its literal sense: "Because he has covered his face with his fatness, and made thick his loins with fat." Here, the verb describes a physical condition of obesity, reinforcing the primary meaning of "to be fat."
More critically for its theological significance, the verb is used figuratively in [[Jeremiah 10:8]]: "But they are altogether brutish and foolish (וְנִכְסָלוּ): the wood is a doctrine of vanities." In this context, כָּסַל describes the spiritual and intellectual state of those who worship idols, highlighting their utter lack of discernment and their adherence to empty practices. This verse clearly demonstrates the transition from physical "thickness" to mental "foolishness" or "stupidity."
Furthermore, this root is the basis for the more frequently occurring noun כְּסִיל (kesîl, `{{H3690}}`), which denotes the "fool" in much of the wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs. While `{{H3690}}` is a distinct Strong's number, its semantic range is directly derived from the root `{{H3688}}`, emphasizing that the biblical "fool" is characterized by a dullness of spiritual perception, a resistance to wisdom, and often a moral depravity. The root thus underpins a significant theological concept of foolishness in the Old Testament.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of foolishness derived from כָּסַל (kâçal, `{{H3688}}`) is intricately related to other Hebrew terms for folly, each carrying distinct nuances:
* **כְּסִיל (kesîl, `{{H3690}}`):** The most direct derivative, referring to the "fool" who despises wisdom, rejects instruction, and often acts with arrogance and self-sufficiency. This fool is characterized by a settled disposition of spiritual and moral obtuseness.
* **אֱוִיל (ʾĕwîl, `{{H0191}}`):** This type of fool is often depicted as stubbornly resistant to instruction, perverse, and prone to destructive behavior. Their folly is often rooted in a lack of understanding or a willful refusal to learn.
* **נָבָל (nābāl, `{{H5036}}`):** This term describes a "senseless" or "godless" person, often implying moral depravity and a contempt for God and His ways (e.g., Nabal in [[1 Samuel 25]]). Their folly is intrinsically linked to their spiritual rebellion.
* **פֶּתִי (petî, `{{H6612}}`):** This refers to the "simple" or "naive" person, who is easily led astray due to a lack of experience or discernment. While not inherently malicious, their simplicity makes them vulnerable to folly.
In contrast to these terms of folly, the concept of כָּסַל stands in stark opposition to biblical wisdom (חָכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`), understanding (בִּינָה, `{{H0998}}`), and knowledge (דַּעַת, `{{H1847}}`), all of which are rooted in the fear of the Lord.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כָּסַל (kâçal, `{{H3688}}`) lies in its portrayal of a profound spiritual and moral condition. Biblical foolishness, as derived from this root, is far more than a mere intellectual shortcoming; it is a disposition of the heart that resists divine truth and instruction.
1. **Rejection of Wisdom:** The "fool" characterized by *kâçal* actively despises wisdom and discipline ([[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Proverbs 15:5]]). This is a conscious choice to remain in ignorance or to follow one's own flawed understanding rather than God's revealed truth.
2. **Moral Blindness:** The "thickness" implied by the root extends to a moral insensitivity. The fool is often depicted as delighting in wickedness ([[Proverbs 10:23]]), lacking discretion ([[Proverbs 11:22]]), and being prone to anger and strife ([[Proverbs 14:17]], [[Proverbs 29:11]]).
3. **Consequences of Folly:** The Scriptures consistently warn that foolishness leads to ruin, shame, poverty, and ultimately, death ([[Proverbs 10:21]], [[Proverbs 14:3]], [[Proverbs 28:26]]). It is a path that deviates from life and righteousness.
4. **Antithesis to the Fear of the Lord:** The foundational principle of biblical wisdom is the "fear of the Lord" ([[Proverbs 9:10]]). Foolishness, rooted in *kâçal*, represents the complete antithesis of this, demonstrating a lack of reverence, trust, and obedience toward God. It is a state of spiritual alienation.
### Summary
The Hebrew root כָּסַל (kâçal, `{{H3688}}`) fundamentally means "to be fat" or "thick," which extends figuratively to "to be silly" or "to be foolish." While its verbal occurrences are few (e.g., literally in [[Job 15:27]] and figuratively in [[Jeremiah 10:8]]), it serves as the crucial foundation for the pervasive biblical concept of the "fool" (כְּסִיל, `{{H3690}}`). This foolishness is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a deep-seated moral and spiritual dullness, characterized by a rejection of divine wisdom, a propensity for wicked behavior, and a lack of the fear of the Lord. It stands in stark contrast to the path of wisdom and leads inevitably to negative consequences and spiritual ruin. Understanding כָּסַל illuminates the profound biblical emphasis on the critical choice between wisdom and folly, a choice with eternal implications.
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