apparently by transposition for כֶּבֶשׂ; a young sheep; lamb.
Transliteration:keseb
Pronunciation:keh'-seb
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3775 (כֶּשֶׂב, *keseb*) primarily denotes "a young sheep" or "lamb." The Strong's definition notes that it is "apparently by transposition for `{{H3532}}` (כֶּבֶשׂ, *kebes*)." This suggests a very close semantic and possibly etymological relationship, with both terms referring to a male lamb, typically young. The distinction, if any, is subtle and often context-dependent, possibly related to specific sacrificial requirements or regional dialectal variations. The term generally implies an animal that is young, pure, and suitable for sacred purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3775 (כֶּשֶׂב) appears predominantly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, almost exclusively within the context of the Mosaic sacrificial system.
* **Leviticus:** Keseb is specified for various offerings:
* **Peace Offerings:** [[Leviticus 3:7]] prescribes a lamb as an option for a peace offering, emphasizing its role in offerings of fellowship and thanksgiving to God.
* **Sin Offerings:** [[Leviticus 4:32]] designates a lamb as the required animal for a sin offering for a common person, highlighting its role in atonement for unintentional sins.
* **Guilt Offerings:** [[Leviticus 5:6]] requires a lamb for a guilt offering, particularly for specific transgressions requiring restitution and atonement.
* The consistent requirement for the lamb to be "without blemish" underscores its purity and suitability as a representation of the offerer's desire for reconciliation with a holy God.
* **Numbers:** The term is used extensively in the description of the dedication offerings of the tribal leaders for the Tabernacle (Numbers 7). Each tribal leader brings a specific set of offerings, including:
* "one male lamb (כֶּשֶׂב) for a sin offering" (e.g., [[Numbers 7:15]], [[Numbers 7:21]], etc.).
* "two lambs (כֶּשֶׂב) for a peace offering" (e.g., [[Numbers 7:17]], [[Numbers 7:23]], etc.).
* It also appears in the regulations for the Nazarite vow, where a "male lamb (כֶּשֶׂב) a year old for a guilt offering" is required (Numbers 6:12).
The consistent contextual usage of keseb in these sacrificial regulations firmly establishes its significance as a ritually pure and acceptable offering for atonement, purification, and the establishment or restoration of covenantal fellowship with Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3532}}` (כֶּבֶשׂ, *kebes*):** This is the most closely related term, often considered a direct parallel or the root from which H3775 is derived by transposition. Both refer to a male lamb, typically one year old, and are used extensively in sacrificial contexts. While kebes appears more frequently for burnt offerings and daily sacrifices (e.g., [[Exodus 29:38]], [[Numbers 28:3]]), keseb is prominent in sin, guilt, and peace offerings. Their near interchangeability in meaning highlights the importance of the young male lamb in Israelite worship.
* **`{{H7716}}` (שֶׂה, *seh*):** A more general term for a sheep or goat, often translated as "lamb" or "flock animal." Unlike keseb or kebes, seh can refer to either sex and various ages, and is notably used for the Passover lamb (e.g., [[Exodus 12:3]]). While keseb is specific, seh provides the broader category.
* **Sacrifice:** The overarching concept of offering an unblemished animal to God. The keseb is a key component of the Mosaic sacrificial system, embodying the principles of substitution, atonement, and worship.
* **Purity and Innocence:** The consistent requirement for the keseb to be "without blemish" (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:32]]) emphasizes its ritual purity, making it a fitting offering to a holy God and a symbol of innocence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3775 (כֶּשֶׂב) is deeply intertwined with the biblical theology of sacrifice and atonement.
* **Divine Provision for Atonement:** The frequent appearance of the keseb in sin and guilt offerings demonstrates God's gracious provision for covering human sin. The life of the innocent lamb is offered as a substitute for the life of the sinner, a tangible expression of God's mercy and justice. This system, though provisional, taught Israel about the gravity of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for reconciliation.
* **Covenantal Fellowship:** The use of keseb in peace offerings signifies the restoration and maintenance of fellowship between God and His people. These offerings were often accompanied by a communal meal, symbolizing the shared life and reconciled relationship.
* **Foreshadowing of Christ:** While keseb itself is not directly linked to messianic prophecy in the same explicit way as the "suffering servant" lamb of [[Isaiah 53:7]] (which uses seh), its prominent role in the Old Testament sacrificial system contributes significantly to the broader biblical typology of the lamb. The New Testament's portrayal of Jesus Christ as "the Lamb of God" (e.g., [[John 1:29]], [[Revelation 5:6]]) draws heavily on the entire Old Testament sacrificial paradigm. The keseb as an unblemished, atoning sacrifice for sin and a means of fellowship prefigures the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who truly takes away the sin of the world and establishes eternal peace.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3775 (כֶּשֶׂב, *keseb*) denotes a young sheep or lamb, closely related to `{{H3532}}` (כֶּבֶשׂ). Its primary biblical significance lies in its consistent and specific role within the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers. The keseb is designated for peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, always required to be unblemished, signifying its ritual purity and suitability for approaching a holy God. Theologically, the offering of the keseb underscores God's provision for atonement, the restoration of covenantal fellowship, and the principle of substitutionary sacrifice. While part of a provisional system, the keseb contributes to the rich biblical typology of the lamb as an innocent, atoning sacrifice, ultimately foreshadowing the perfect and definitive sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God.
TRV