a plural probably of foreign derivation; Casluchim, a people cognate to the Egyptians; Casluhim.
Transliteration:Kaçluchîym
Pronunciation:kas-loo'-kheem
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3695}}` (Kaçluchîym) refers to a specific people group, the Casluhim. The base definition indicates that the word itself is "a plural probably of foreign derivation," suggesting it is a transliteration or adaptation of a non-Hebrew name for this people, rather than a word with an inherent Hebrew etymology. Semantically, its range is limited to identifying this particular ethnic group. Critically, they are identified as "cognate to the Egyptians," placing them within the broader Hamitic family of nations, specifically as descendants of Mizraim, the progenitor of the Egyptians.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3695}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the significant genealogical records known as the Table of Nations:
* [[Genesis 10:14]]: "and Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines), and Caphtorim."
* [[1 Chronicles 1:12]]: "and Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines), and Caphtorim."
In both occurrences, Kaçluchîym is listed among the descendants of Mizraim `{{H4714}}`, the second son of Ham `{{H2526}}` ([[Genesis 10:6]]). Their placement alongside other Mizraite peoples like the Pathrusim `{{H6625}}` (inhabitants of Upper Egypt) and the Caphtorim `{{H3731}}` (often associated with Crete or the Aegean region) firmly situates them geographically and ethnically within the broader Egyptian sphere of influence.
The most crucial piece of information provided by these verses is the parenthetical clarification: "(from whom came the Philistines)." This statement directly links the Casluhim to the origins of the Philistines `{{H6430}}`, a prominent and often antagonistic people in the history of Israel. This detail is vital for understanding the ethnic background of a major player in the biblical narrative. While some scholars debate whether the Philistines literally descended *from* the Casluhim or merely *migrated through* their territory, the plain reading of the text attributes their origin to this group.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3695}}` inevitably draws connections to several related biblical terms and concepts:
* **Mizraim `{{H4714}}`**: The direct ancestor of the Casluhim, representing Egypt and its various sub-groups.
* **Philistines `{{H6430}}`**: The most significant connection, as the Casluhim are explicitly identified as their progenitors. This links them to a people who would become a persistent enemy of Israel, particularly during the periods of the Judges and the United Monarchy.
* **Pathrusim `{{H6625}}` and Caphtorim `{{H3731}}`**: These are other descendants of Mizraim listed alongside Casluhim. The Caphtorim, in particular, are also associated with the Philistine migration ([[Amos 9:7]], [[Jeremiah 47:4]]), suggesting a complex migratory history involving these related groups.
* **Table of Nations (Genesis 10)**: This comprehensive genealogy provides the broader context for the Casluhim, illustrating the post-Flood dispersion of humanity and the divine ordering of ethnic groups.
* **Ham `{{H2526}}`**: The son of Noah, from whom the Mizraite peoples, including the Casluhim, descend.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H3695}}` itself denotes a specific ethnic group, its inclusion and the information provided about it carry significant theological weight:
* **Divine Order and Sovereignty**: The meticulous detail of the Table of Nations, including seemingly minor or obscure groups like the Casluhim, underscores God's sovereign hand in the ordering and dispersion of humanity after the Flood. Every nation, even those who would later oppose Israel, has its place and origin within God's comprehensive plan.
* **Historical and Genealogical Truth**: The Bible's commitment to recording the origins of peoples, even those of foreign derivation, speaks to its claim of historical accuracy and the reality of the events it narrates. It grounds the unfolding of redemptive history in the concrete realities of human lineage and geography.
* **The Origins of Adversaries**: The explicit statement that the Philistines "came from" the Casluhim provides a divine perspective on the origins of one of Israel's most formidable and enduring adversaries. This detail is not merely anthropological; it reveals that even the nations that would stand against God's people have their place within the broader tapestry of His creation and providence. It highlights God's foreknowledge and His ability to weave all human history into His ultimate redemptive purposes.
* **Universality of God's Concern**: The Table of Nations, by listing the ancestors of all peoples, implicitly affirms that God's creative and providential care extends to all humanity, not just to the chosen line of Abraham.
### Summary
`{{H3695}}` (Kaçluchîym) identifies the Casluhim, a people group of probable foreign derivation, explicitly listed in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10:14]], [[1 Chronicles 1:12]]) as descendants of Mizraim, the progenitor of the Egyptians. Their most significant biblical role is their identification as the ancestral source from whom the Philistines originated. The inclusion of the Casluhim in the biblical genealogies emphasizes God's meticulous ordering of all nations, the historical veracity of Scripture, and provides crucial insight into the origins of a key antagonist in Israel's history, demonstrating God's sovereign oversight even of those who would oppose His chosen people.
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