from an unused root of uncertain meaning; Kesed, a relative of Abraham; Chesed.
Transliteration:Kesed
Pronunciation:keh'-sed
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H3777}}`, *Kesed* (כֶּשֶׂד), functions exclusively as a proper noun, specifically a personal name. The Strong's definition indicates its derivation from "an unused root of uncertain meaning." This suggests that the name's etymology does not directly convey a semantic meaning in the way a common noun or verb might. Instead, its meaning is entirely bound to its referent in the biblical text: an individual identified as a relative of Abraham. Thus, the semantic range of *Kesed* is limited to its role as a designator for a specific person within the patriarchal genealogies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Kesed* (`{{H3777}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Genesis.
* [[Genesis 22:22]]: "Kemuel the father of Aram, and Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and Jidlaph, and Bethuel."
This solitary occurrence places Kesed within the genealogy of Nahor, Abraham's brother. Following Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac, the narrative pauses to list the descendants of Nahor and Milcah. Kesed is enumerated as one of the eight sons born to Nahor by his wife Milcah. This familial placement firmly establishes Kesed as part of Abraham's extended family, specifically as a nephew of Abraham and an uncle to Rebekah (who was the daughter of Bethuel, Kesed's brother). The context is purely genealogical, serving to delineate the lineage and expansion of the patriarchal family, providing no further narrative details or actions attributed to Kesed himself. His inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping concerning the family lines from which the covenant people would emerge.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H3777}}` is a proper noun derived from an "unused root," there are no direct lexical cognates in terms of shared verbal roots or common noun forms. However, related concepts can be explored through familial connections and potential eponymous links.
* **Familial Relations:** Kesed is directly related to key patriarchal figures: Abraham (his uncle), Nahor (his father), Milcah (his mother), and Rebekah (his niece, via his brother Bethuel). His name contributes to the detailed mapping of the family tree surrounding the covenant line.
* **The Chaldeans (`{{H3778}}`):** A significant proposed connection is to the term *Kasdim* (כַּשְׂדִּים), commonly translated "Chaldeans." The phonetic similarity between *Kesed* and *Kasdim*, coupled with Abraham's origin in "Ur of the Chaldeans" ([[Genesis 11:28]]), has led some scholars to suggest that Kesed might be an eponymous ancestor of the Chaldean people or at least indicative of a geographical or ethnic link. While the precise nature of this connection remains a subject of scholarly debate due to the "unused root" of `{{H3777}}`, the possibility of such an ancestral or tribal link is often considered in discussions of the name.
### Theological Significance
As a figure appearing only in a genealogical list, Kesed's direct theological significance is primarily found in his contribution to the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
* **Genealogical Integrity:** The inclusion of names like Kesed, even without accompanying narrative, highlights the Bible's emphasis on historical continuity and the meticulous tracing of family lines. These genealogies serve to authenticate the lineage of the covenant people and, ultimately, the Messiah.
* **Divine Providence in Family Expansion:** Kesed's presence in Nahor's lineage demonstrates the expansion of Abraham's wider family, illustrating God's providential oversight not only of the direct covenant line (Isaac, Jacob) but also of the broader family from which God called Abraham. This expansion underscores the idea that God's plan encompasses a wide array of individuals and nations, even those outside the immediate covenant.
* **Context for the Covenant:** If the proposed link to the Chaldeans (`{{H3778}}`) holds, Kesed might subtly underscore the cultural and geographical context from which God called Abraham, demonstrating that God's redemptive work began by calling a people out of a specific, non-Israelite, background. However, the primary theological weight rests on his role in establishing the historical and familial backdrop for the unfolding of God's redemptive history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3777}}`, *Kesed* (כֶּשֶׂד), is a proper noun denoting a personal name. Its meaning is derived solely from its referent in the biblical text, as its root is unused and of uncertain meaning. Kesed is identified in [[Genesis 22:22]] as one of the eight sons of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and Milcah. His sole appearance is within this patriarchal genealogy, establishing him as a nephew of Abraham and an uncle to Rebekah. While some scholars propose a possible eponymous link to the Chaldeans (`{{H3778}}`) due to phonetic similarity and geographical context, Kesed's primary theological significance lies in his contribution to the detailed and historically grounded record of the patriarchal family. His inclusion affirms God's meticulous oversight of the lineages that form the foundation of the covenant people, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding of divine redemptive history.
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