feminine plural of passive participle of כָּסַל; fattened; Kesulloth, a place in Palestine; Chesulloth.
Transliteration:Kᵉçullôwth
Pronunciation:kes-ool-loth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כְּסֻלּוֹת (Kᵉçullôwth, `{{H3694}}`) is a feminine plural noun, functioning as a proper noun for a geographical location. Its etymological root is derived from the passive participle of כָּסַל (kasal), which carries the primary meaning of "to be fat" or "to be plump." Thus, Kᵉçullôwth literally signifies "fattened" or "plump places," suggesting a region of significant fertility and agricultural abundance. As a place name, its semantic range is restricted to this specific geographical designation within ancient Palestine, implying a land capable of yielding rich harvests or sustaining robust livestock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Kᵉçullôwth (`{{H3694}}`) appears once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:18]]: "And their border went out to Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem," (KJV).
In this context, Kᵉçullôwth is listed as one of the towns marking the boundary or belonging to the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar. The verse describes the precise geographical limits of the tribal allotments, underscoring the meticulous detail with which the land was divided among the Israelite tribes. Its mention alongside Jezreel and Shunem places it within the fertile Jezreel Valley (also known as the Valley of Esdraelon), a region renowned for its agricultural productivity. This geographical context aligns perfectly with the etymological meaning of "fattened," indicating a place of great natural abundance and prosperity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to Kᵉçullôwth (`{{H3694}}`) is כָּסַל (kasal), from which the passive participle is derived. While כָּסַל can also be associated with concepts of "foolishness" or "confidence" in other grammatical forms (e.g., כֶּסֶל - kesel, `{{H3689}}`), for Kᵉçullôwth (`{{H3694}}`), the sense of physical "fatness" or "richness" of the land is paramount.
Related concepts that contextualize Kᵉçullôwth within the biblical narrative include:
* נַחֲלָה (nachalah, `{{H5159}}`): "inheritance" or "allotment," highlighting the theme of God's promised land being distributed among the tribes.
* אֶרֶץ (eretz, `{{H776}}`): "land" or "earth," emphasizing the physical territory granted to Israel.
* עֵמֶק (emeq, `{{H6010}}`): "valley," particularly relevant given Kᵉçullôwth's location in the Jezreel Valley, a region known for its fertility.
The connection to a "fattened" land underscores the divine blessing and provision inherent in the Promised Land.
### Theological Significance
As a place name, Kᵉçullôwth (`{{H3694}}`) primarily contributes to the overarching theological theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. Its inclusion in the detailed list of tribal inheritances in Joshua demonstrates the precision and thoroughness of God's provision for His people. The very name, "fattened," subtly yet powerfully testifies to the inherent blessing and fertility of the land that God bestowed upon Israel, a land often described as "flowing with milk and honey" (e.g., [[Exodus 3:8]]; [[Deuteronomy 6:3]]). The existence of such a place, explicitly named for its abundance, serves as a tangible reminder of God's generous hand in providing for His chosen nation. It reinforces the theological truth that God is a faithful giver who meticulously fulfills every aspect of His word, down to the specific boundaries of the land.
### Summary
Kᵉçullôwth (`{{H3694}}`) is a Hebrew place name, transliterated as Chesulloth or Kesulloth, meaning "fattened" or "plump places." It is derived from the root כָּסַל (kasal). Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Joshua 19:18]], where it is listed as a boundary town within the allotment of the tribe of Issachar, situated in the agriculturally rich Jezreel Valley. The name itself speaks to the fertility and abundance of the land, serving as a quiet testament to God's faithful provision and the detailed fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel regarding their inheritance. It underscores the divine blessing manifest in the very nature of the Promised Land.
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