lemma כְּסִלָה first two vowels, corrected to כִּסְלָה; feminine of כֶּסֶל; in a good sense, trust; in a bad one, silliness; confidence, folly.
Transliteration:kiçlâh
Pronunciation:kis-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma כִּסְלָה (kiçlâh), `{{H3690}}`, is a feminine noun derived from the root כֶּסֶל (keçel), `{{H3689}}`. This etymological connection is crucial, as כֶּסֶל primarily denotes "loin" or "flank," often metaphorically referring to strength, firmness, or stability. From this physical sense, כִּסְלָה develops a dual semantic range, reflecting the nature and object of one's inner stability or reliance.
In its positive sense, כִּסְלָה signifies "trust," "confidence," or "security." This denotes a firm reliance or assurance placed in a dependable source. It speaks to a settled state of mind rooted in a perceived strength or integrity.
Conversely, in its negative sense, כִּסְלָה can denote "folly," "silliness," or "presumption." This meaning emerges when the "trust" or "confidence" is misplaced, unfounded, or directed towards something vain and unreliable. It describes a misguided assurance that leads to foolish or destructive outcomes. Thus, the word's meaning is highly dependent on its context, particularly the object of the "confidence."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כִּסְלָה (kiçlâh), `{{H3690}}`, appears four times in the Old Testament, illustrating its dual nature:
1. **[[Job 4:6]]**: "Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?" Here, Eliphaz the Temanite uses כִּסְלָה in its positive sense, referring to the righteous confidence that should stem from one's reverence for God and blameless conduct. It suggests a well-founded assurance.
2. **[[Job 15:31]]**: "Let him not trust in vanity, deceiving himself, for vanity will be his recompense." In this verse, the word is used in a negative context, depicting a misplaced trust or confidence ("let him not trust in vanity"). The "vanity" (שָׁוְא - shav) signifies emptiness or worthlessness. To place one's כִּסְלָה in such a thing is self-deception and leads to ruin, illustrating the "folly" aspect of the word.
3. **[[Psalm 78:7]]**: "so that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." This passage clearly employs כִּסְלָה in its positive and most desirable sense: confidence placed in God. It is presented as a foundational element for obedience and remembrance of divine acts, contrasting with the forgetfulness and rebellion of the Israelites.
4. **[[Proverbs 3:26]]**: "For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." Here, כִּסְלָה again denotes a positive, secure trust in Yahweh. This verse promises divine protection and stability to those who acknowledge God in all their ways, reinforcing the idea that God Himself is the ultimate source of true security and confidence.
These occurrences demonstrate that כִּסְלָה is primarily concerned with the *object* of one's trust. When directed towards God or His principles, it signifies a righteous and beneficial confidence. When directed towards vanity or self-deception, it results in folly and negative consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of כִּסְלָה (kiçlâh) is rich with related terms that further illuminate its meaning:
* **`{{H3689}}` (כֶּסֶל - keçel)**: The root noun, meaning "loin" (strength) and also "folly" or "stupidity." This direct link highlights how misguided strength or confidence can devolve into foolishness.
* **`{{H3688}}` (כָּסַל - kāsal)**: The verbal form, meaning "to be foolish" or "to be confident/presumptuous." This verb underscores the active state of either foolishness or misplaced confidence.
* **`{{H982}}` (בֶּטַח - beṭaḥ)**: A common Hebrew word for "trust" or "security." While often interchangeable with the positive sense of כִּסְלָה, בֶּטַח tends to emphasize the state of being secure, whereas כִּסְלָה can also carry the nuance of the *source* or *object* of that security, especially when contrasting legitimate trust with folly.
* **`{{H2620}}` (חָסָה - ḥāsāh)**: "To take refuge," "to trust." This verb often describes seeking protection under God's wings, emphasizing reliance.
* **`{{H5979}}` (עוּץ - 'ûts)**: "Counsel, advice." The source of one's confidence or the wisdom (or lack thereof) that informs one's trust.
* **Concepts**: Faith (אֱמוּנָה - 'emûnâh), wisdom (חָכְמָה - ḥākhmâh), foolishness (אֱוִיל - 'evîl), security, hope (תִּקְוָה - tiqwâh), and presumption. The interplay between trust, wisdom, and folly is central to the biblical worldview, and כִּסְלָה encapsulates this dynamic.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כִּסְלָה (kiçlâh) lies in its profound articulation of the nature of trust and its consequences. It serves as a linguistic barometer for the spiritual state of the individual, distinguishing between a well-founded trust in God and a misguided, self-deceptive confidence.
1. **The Object of Trust**: The word powerfully underscores that the *object* of one's confidence is paramount. True כִּסְלָה, leading to security and wisdom, is found only when placed in Yahweh ([[Psalm 78:7]], [[Proverbs 3:26]]). This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God alone is worthy of absolute trust and reliance. His character (faithfulness, power, wisdom) provides the unshakeable foundation for genuine confidence.
2. **Wisdom vs. Folly**: The duality of כִּסְלָה directly connects to the wisdom tradition in Israel. Placing confidence in God is the essence of wisdom and the "fear of the Lord" ([[Job 4:6]]). Conversely, placing trust in "vanity" or anything other than God is the epitome of folly ([[Job 15:31]]). This highlights a core theological principle: true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but the practical application of trusting God, while foolishness is the practical outworking of misplaced trust.
3. **Security and Protection**: When כִּסְלָה is rightly directed towards God, it promises divine security and protection (e.g., keeping one's foot from being caught in [[Proverbs 3:26]]). This speaks to God's active involvement in the lives of those who rely on Him, providing stability and deliverance from harm.
4. **Distinguishing Faith from Presumption**: The negative connotation of כִּסְלָה (folly, presumption) serves as a warning against a superficial or self-reliant confidence. It differentiates true faith—which is humble reliance on God—from a presumptuous or arrogant self-assurance that disregards divine wisdom and leads to destruction.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כִּסְלָה (kiçlâh), `{{H3690}}`, presents a nuanced understanding of "confidence" or "trust," oscillating between a positive sense of security and a negative sense of folly. Its meaning is critically determined by the object of that trust. When directed towards God, כִּסְלָה signifies a righteous, well-founded confidence that yields security, wisdom, and divine protection, as seen in [[Job 4:6]], [[Psalm 78:7]], and [[Proverbs 3:26]]. However, when this inner reliance is placed upon "vanity" or anything other than God, it becomes a misguided, self-deceptive trust that leads to foolishness and ruin, exemplified in [[Job 15:31]]. Thus, כִּסְלָה serves as a powerful theological concept, emphasizing that true wisdom and lasting security are found only in unwavering trust in the Lord, while any other source of confidence ultimately leads to spiritual and practical folly.
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