### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3776}}`, *kisbâh*, is a feminine noun derived from `{{H3775}}` (*keseb*), which denotes a young male lamb. Therefore, *kisbâh* specifically refers to a young ewe or a female lamb. The root כ.ש.ב itself is associated with the ovine species, emphasizing the youth and often the unblemished quality of the animal. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently pointing to a young, female sheep, primarily in the context of its suitability for sacrifice due to its inherent purity and innocence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *kisbâh* appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the Pentateuch, particularly the books of Leviticus and Numbers, and once in Isaiah. Its usage is almost exclusively within the cultic and sacrificial laws, underscoring its specific role in Israelite worship.
In Leviticus, *kisbâh* is prescribed as an acceptable offering for various types of sacrifices:
* [[Leviticus 4:32]]: It is specified as the offering for a sin offering (חַטָּאת, *chattat*) if a common person sins, highlighting its role in atonement for unintentional transgression. The requirement for it to be "without blemish" (תָּמִים, *tamim*) is consistently emphasized, reinforcing the necessity of purity in approaching God.
* [[Leviticus 5:6]]: It is again mentioned as an offering for a guilt offering (אָשָׁם, *asham*), indicating its suitability for making expiation for specific offenses.
* [[Leviticus 14:10]]: In the elaborate cleansing ritual for a healed leper, two male lambs and one *kisbâh* are required, signifying a comprehensive offering for purification and restoration to the community.
Numbers similarly employs *kisbâh* in sacrificial contexts:
* [[Numbers 6:14]]: As part of the Nazirite vow, a *kisbâh* is offered as a sin offering upon the completion of the vow, again emphasizing its role in ceremonial purification.
* [[Numbers 7:15]], [[Numbers 7:21]], and subsequent verses in Numbers 7 detail the offerings brought by the tribal leaders for the dedication of the tabernacle. Each leader brings a *kisbâh* for a sin offering, demonstrating its consistent use across different tribal contributions and reinforcing the shared understanding of its sacrificial efficacy.
The sole occurrence outside the Pentateuch is in [[Isaiah 65:25]]: "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will not hurt or destroy on all My holy mountain," says the LORD. Here, *kisbâh* is used metaphorically as a symbol of vulnerability and peace in the prophetic vision of the new heavens and new earth, where natural enmity is removed, and universal harmony reigns. This usage transcends the cultic, pointing to a future eschatological reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is `{{H3775}}` (*keseb*), the masculine counterpart to *kisbâh*, also meaning "lamb" or "young ram." Both terms are specific in their reference to young ovine animals.
Other related terms for sheep or lambs include:
* `{{H7716}}` (*seh*): A general term for a sheep or goat, often used in sacrificial contexts (e.g., the Passover lamb).
* `{{H3532}}` (*kebes*): A young ram, often used interchangeably with *keseb* in some contexts.
* `{{H6793}}` (*tsoneh*): A collective term for a flock of sheep or goats.
The concept of "blemish-free" (*tamim*) is intrinsically linked to *kisbâh* in sacrificial law, highlighting the requirement for perfection in offerings to God. This purity underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. The contexts of sin offerings (*chattat*) and guilt offerings (*asham*) are central to understanding the function of *kisbâh* as an atoning sacrifice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *kisbâh* is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system.
1. **Atonement and Purity:** As a prescribed animal for sin and guilt offerings, *kisbâh* represents a life offered in substitution for the life of the worshiper, effecting expiation for sin. Its requirement to be "without blemish" underscores the divine standard of holiness and the need for a perfect, pure offering to approach a holy God. This purity points to the unblemished nature required for true reconciliation.
2. **Innocence and Vulnerability:** The very nature of a young lamb evokes images of innocence, gentleness, and vulnerability. The sacrifice of such an animal highlights the profound cost of sin and the profound grace of God in accepting an innocent substitute. This imagery subtly prepares the ground for later New Testament revelation.
3. **Divine Provision:** The inclusion of *kisbâh* in the sacrificial code demonstrates God's gracious provision of a means for humanity to address their sin and maintain fellowship with Him. It is part of the divine pedagogy, teaching Israel about the gravity of sin and the path to forgiveness.
4. **Eschatological Peace:** The single prophetic use in [[Isaiah 65:25]] elevates *kisbâh* beyond a mere sacrificial animal. Here, it symbolizes the ultimate peace and harmony of God's future kingdom, where even the natural order of predator and prey is transformed, reflecting a complete restoration of creation. This vision speaks to God's ultimate redemptive plan, encompassing not only humanity but the entire cosmos.
5. **Typological Foreshadowing (Indirect):** While *kisbâh* is a female lamb, its role as an unblemished, atoning sacrifice contributes to the broader biblical typology of the "Lamb of God" (e.g., [[John 1:29]], [[1 Peter 1:19]]). The Old Testament sacrificial lambs, whether male or female, collectively point to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills all the requirements of an unblemished offering for the sins of the world.
### Summary
`{{H3776}}`, *kisbâh*, designates a young, female lamb or ewe. Its primary role in the Hebrew Bible is within the sacrificial system, where it is consistently prescribed as an unblemished offering for sin and guilt, particularly for individuals. This usage highlights the theological principles of atonement, divine provision for sin, and the necessity of purity in approaching a holy God. Beyond its cultic function, *kisbâh* appears once in prophetic literature, symbolizing the profound peace and harmony of God's future kingdom. As an innocent and pure sacrificial animal, *kisbâh* contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical imagery that ultimately points to the supreme, unblemished sacrifice of the Messiah.
TRV