from כָּסָה; a cushion or pillow (as covering a seat or bed); pillow.
Transliteration:keçeth
Pronunciation:keh'-seth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כֶּסֶת (*keçeth*, `{{H3704}}`) derives from the root כָּסָה (*kāsāh*, `{{H3680}}`), meaning "to cover" or "to conceal." This etymological connection is crucial to understanding its core meaning. Fundamentally, *keçeth* refers to a "cushion" or "pillow," an object designed to provide a soft covering or support for resting the head or body. Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily denoting such an item used for comfort or ease, often associated with a bed or seat. The "covering" aspect inherent in its root suggests something that wraps around, encloses, or provides a soft surface over another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *keçeth* appears exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, specifically within the prophet's denunciation of false prophetesses in chapter 13. Its two occurrences are found in [[Ezekiel 13:18]] and [[Ezekiel 13:20]].
In this highly symbolic and condemnatory passage, Ezekiel describes the deceptive practices of these women who "sew magic bands on all wrists and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature to hunt souls" ([[Ezekiel 13:18]]). The "magic bands" mentioned here are the *keçeth*. While literally "cushions" or "pillows," their usage in this context transcends a mere household item. They are described as being placed "on all wrists" (לְכָל־אַצִּילֵי יָדַיִם) and, in conjunction with *mispaḥoth* (`{{H4556}}`, "veils"), "on the heads of persons of every stature" (עַל־רֹאשׁ כָּל־קוֹמָה).
This implies that these "cushions" were not for comfort but functioned as ritualistic objects, possibly amulets, charms, or symbolic ensnaring devices. They represent a false sense of security or a spiritual entrapment offered by the prophetesses, lulling people into a dangerous complacency under the guise of comfort or spiritual guidance. The Lord's judgment is severe: "Behold, I am against your magic bands with which you hunt souls there like birds, and I will tear them from your arms, and I will let the souls whom you hunt go free, the souls of my people" ([[Ezekiel 13:20]]). The "cushions" are instruments of spiritual bondage, used to "hunt souls" and lead God's people astray.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root כָּסָה (`{{H3680}}`, "to cover, conceal, hide"), which directly informs the noun's meaning as a "covering" or "cushion."
Conceptually, *keçeth* is closely linked with:
* מִסְפָּחוֹת (*mispaḥoth*, `{{H4556}}`): "veils" or "scarves," which appear alongside *keçeth* in Ezekiel 13. Like the cushions, these are also instruments of deception and spiritual ensnarement, functioning as coverings that obscure truth or bind individuals.
* Words related to "comfort," "rest," or "ease": While *keçeth* is literally a comfort item, its biblical usage subverts this, transforming it into a symbol of false comfort and spiritual danger.
* Concepts of "snare," "trap," or "deception": The context in Ezekiel directly associates *keçeth* with the act of "hunting souls," highlighting its role in spiritual manipulation and entrapment.
* Practices of "divination" or "magic": The prophetesses are condemned for their false prophecies and the use of these items in practices contrary to God's law.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *keçeth* is almost entirely derived from its unique and highly negative portrayal in Ezekiel 13. It stands as a powerful symbol of spiritual deception and false security.
1. **Symbol of False Prophecy and Deception:** The "cushions" represent the alluring yet deadly lies propagated by false prophetesses. These women offered a deceptive sense of ease and comfort, lulling God's people into spiritual apathy and away from the truth of Yahweh's word. The physical object, a cushion, which should provide legitimate rest, is twisted into an instrument of spiritual bondage.
2. **Instrument of Spiritual Enslavement:** By placing these "cushions" on wrists and heads, the prophetesses symbolically and perhaps ritually "hunted souls," binding individuals to their false teachings and practices. This highlights the insidious nature of spiritual deception, which can masquerade as comfort or guidance while leading people into captivity.
3. **Divine Judgment Against Idolatry and Sorcery:** God's vehement condemnation and promise to tear away these "magic bands" ([[Ezekiel 13:20]]) underscore His absolute opposition to any form of divination, sorcery, or spiritual manipulation that leads His people astray. The destruction of these items signifies the breaking of the spiritual hold they had on the people, emphasizing God's zeal for the freedom and purity of His flock.
4. **Warning Against Complacency:** The use of *keçeth* serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and the danger of accepting easy answers or comforting lies over the challenging truth of God's word. True rest and security are found only in Yahweh, not in the deceptive comforts offered by false teachers.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *keçeth* (`{{H3704}}`), derived from the root "to cover," literally denotes a "cushion" or "pillow." Despite its mundane literal meaning, its sole biblical occurrences in Ezekiel 13 imbue it with profound theological significance. Here, *keçeth* symbolizes the deceptive instruments used by false prophetesses to provide a false sense of comfort and security, thereby "hunting souls" and binding people through spiritual manipulation. It represents the alluring yet dangerous lies that lead individuals away from God's truth. The divine judgment against these "cushions" underscores God's unwavering opposition to spiritual deception and His commitment to liberating His people from such bondage, serving as a powerful warning against complacency and the allure of false teachings.
TRV