from כָּסַל; hopeful; Kislon, an Israelite; Chislon.
Transliteration:Kiçlôwn
Pronunciation:kis-lone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3692}}`, transliterated as *Kiçlôwn* (כִּסְלוֹן), functions exclusively as a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymological root is derived from `{{H3688}}` (כָּסַל, *kasal*), which carries a fascinating dual semantic range. On one hand, `{{H3688}}` can denote "to be foolish" or "to act foolishly," often implying a lack of wisdom or prudence (e.g., [[Proverbs 13:16]], [[Proverbs 28:26]]). On the other hand, it can also signify "to be confident," "to trust," or "to be stout/prosperous," implying a sense of security or assurance (e.g., [[Psalm 78:7]]).
The name *Kiçlôwn* (`{{H3692}}`) clearly draws upon the more positive aspect of its root, conveying the meaning "hopeful" or "confident." This interpretation aligns with the common practice in ancient Israel of bestowing names that reflect positive aspirations, character traits, or a parent's hopes for their child. Thus, while the root has a negative potential, *Kiçlôwn* itself embodies a positive disposition of trust and expectation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Kiçlôwn* (`{{H3692}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a specific genealogical and administrative context:
* **[[Numbers 34:21]]**: "Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon."
In this sole occurrence, Kislon is identified as the father of Elidad, who is designated as the prince (נָשִׂיא, *nasi'*) of the tribe of Benjamin. Elidad's role was to assist Moses and Eleazar in the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The context is a formal listing of tribal leaders chosen for a significant administrative task related to the inheritance of the Promised Land.
This single mention, while brief, places Kislon within a lineage of importance, as his son is chosen for a vital role in the foundational history of Israel's settlement. The name's meaning, "hopeful," would have resonated deeply within the context of the Israelites' journey towards and anticipation of the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land. Kislon himself is not depicted in any narrative, but his name stands as a testament to the hope and confidence that characterized the generations leading up to the conquest and settlement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H3692}}` is its root, `{{H3688}}` (כָּסַל, *kasal*). As discussed, this root exhibits a fascinating semantic duality:
* **Folly/Foolishness**: This sense is prevalent in wisdom literature, such as [[Proverbs 1:32]] ("the complacency of fools will destroy them") or [[Proverbs 10:1]] ("a foolish son is a grief to his mother"). Here, `{{H3688}}` and its derivatives often describe those who lack discernment or act rashly.
* **Confidence/Trust**: In other contexts, `{{H3688}}` can denote a positive sense of trust or security, as seen in [[Psalm 78:7]] ("that they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments"). This positive connotation of reliance or assurance is the one reflected in the name *Kiçlôwn*.
Another related term is `{{H3693}}` (כְּסָלוֹן, *Kĕçālôwn*), which is a place name, "Chesalon," also derived from `{{H3688}}`. It appears as a boundary marker for the tribe of Judah in [[Joshua 15:10]]. Its meaning could similarly relate to a place of confidence or perhaps a place known for some characteristic associated with the root.
Conceptually, *Kiçlôwn* connects to the broader biblical themes of hope and trust in God. Other Hebrew words for hope include `{{H8615}}` (תִּקְוָה, *tiqvāh*), emphasizing expectation and a cord of hope, and `{{H3176}}` (יָחַל, *yāḥal*), meaning to wait expectantly or to hope. The concept of trust is often conveyed by `{{H982}}` (בָּטַח, *bāṭaḥ*), signifying reliance and security. The name *Kiçlôwn* stands as a personal embodiment of this vital theological virtue.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3692}}` lies primarily in the meaning of the name itself: "hopeful." While Kislon is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his name serves as a subtle yet potent reminder of the pervasive theme of hope in the biblical worldview.
1. **Hope as a Divine Attribute and Human Virtue**: God is consistently presented as the ultimate source of hope (e.g., [[Psalm 62:5]], [[Jeremiah 17:7]]). To name a child "Hopeful" reflects a parents' recognition of this divine attribute and their aspiration for their child to embody this virtue. In a world often marked by uncertainty and hardship, the name Kislon speaks to a deep-seated trust in God's promises and provision.
2. **Anticipation of Covenant Fulfillment**: Kislon's son, Elidad, was involved in the division of the Promised Land. This context amplifies the significance of a name meaning "hopeful." The entire wilderness generation and their descendants lived in anticipation of the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Kislon's name encapsulates this forward-looking faith and the confident expectation of inheriting the land.
3. **Theological Weight of Names**: In ancient Israel, names were not mere labels but often carried prophetic, descriptive, or aspirational weight. The name *Kiçlôwn* suggests a family or a lineage that valued and perhaps exemplified hope. It implies a household characterized by trust in Yahweh, even amidst the challenges of the wilderness journey and the impending conquest. It underscores the belief that hope is not merely an emotion but a foundational posture of faith.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3692}}` (כִּסְלוֹן, *Kiçlôwn*) is a proper noun, a personal name meaning "hopeful" or "confident." Derived from the root `{{H3688}}` (כָּסַל, *kasal*), which can signify both "folly" and "confidence," the name *Kiçlôwn* distinctly embraces the positive connotation of trust and expectation. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Numbers 34:21]], identifying Kislon as the father of Elidad, a prince of the tribe of Benjamin chosen to assist in the division of the Promised Land. Although a minor figure, Kislon's name carries significant theological weight, embodying the biblical theme of hope—a virtue rooted in trust in God's promises and a confident anticipation of His covenantal fulfillment. The name serves as a quiet testimony to the enduring value of hope within the lineage of Israel.
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