a primitive root; to grow fat (i.e. be covered with flesh); be covered. Compare כָּסָה.
Transliteration:kâsâh
Pronunciation:kaw-saw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H3780}}` (כָּשָׂה, *kâsâh*) is defined as a primitive root meaning "to grow fat" or "to be covered with flesh," extending to the more general sense of "to be covered." The primary emphasis appears to be on a state of being thoroughly enveloped or filled, particularly with a substantial material like flesh or fat. This suggests not merely a superficial covering, but one that implies fullness, abundance, or even an excessive state. While closely related to `{{H3680}}` (כָּסָה, *kâsâh*), which more broadly means "to cover," `{{H3780}}` carries a distinct nuance of the *result* of being covered, specifically with an accumulation of substance, lending itself to the metaphorical sense of prosperity or repletion. Its rare occurrence in the Hebrew Bible underscores its specific, potent application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H3780}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a highly significant passage: [[Deuteronomy 32:15]].
In the Song of Moses, [[Deuteronomy 32:15]] declares: "But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art *covered with fatness*; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation." Here, the phrase "covered with fatness" translates the Niphal participle of `{{H3780}}` (נִכְסֵיתָ, *nikhseyta*). The context is a powerful prophetic indictment of Israel (referred to as Jeshurun, a poetic name for Israel) for their apostasy. The "fatness" here is a clear metaphor for material prosperity, abundance, and security granted by God. The parallelism with "waxen fat" (שָׁמַן, `{{H8080}}`) and "grown thick" (עָבָה, `{{H5674}}`) reinforces this meaning. The tragic consequence is that this very abundance, intended as a blessing, led to spiritual complacency, arrogance, and ultimately, rebellion against the God who provided for them. The word `{{H3780}}` thus vividly paints a picture of a nation so thoroughly enveloped in its own prosperity that it became spiritually blind and rebellious.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H3680}}` (כָּסָה, *kâsâh*), which also means "to cover." While sharing the same consonantal root and transliteration, `{{H3780}}` appears to be a distinct, specialized usage focusing on the *result* of covering, particularly with an accumulation of material (fat, flesh), signifying a state of repletion or abundance. Other related concepts and words include:
* **`{{H8080}}` (שָׁמַן, *shaman*)**: "to be fat," "to grow rich." This word appears in parallel with `{{H3780}}` in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]], reinforcing the theme of prosperity.
* **`{{H5674}}` (עָבָה, *'avah*)**: "to be thick," "to grow dense." Also used in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]], it further emphasizes the idea of becoming heavy or full.
* **`{{H2459}}` (חֵלֶב, *chelev*)**: "fat," often referring to the choicest part of an animal, thus symbolizing the best or most abundant.
* **Prosperity and Abundance**: The underlying concept is that of material blessing and well-being, which, when misused, can lead to spiritual decline.
* **Complacency and Apostasy**: The spiritual state resulting from unchecked prosperity, where reliance on God is forgotten.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{H3780}}` in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It serves as a stark warning against the spiritual dangers of unchecked material prosperity. "Fatness" in this context is not inherently negative; it represents God's gracious provision and blessing upon Israel. However, when Israel became "covered with fatness," it led to arrogance ("kicked") and spiritual rebellion ("forsook God"). This illustrates a recurring biblical theme: blessings, when not received with humility and gratitude, can become stumbling blocks. The word `{{H3780}}` powerfully conveys the idea of being so thoroughly saturated with worldly comfort and self-sufficiency that one loses sight of the divine source of all blessings. It underscores the human tendency to forget God in times of ease and to attribute success to one's own efforts, rather than to divine grace. This serves as an enduring theological caution for all generations, highlighting the precarious balance between receiving God's bounty and maintaining spiritual devotion.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3780}}` (כָּשָׂה, *kâsâh*) is a rare but potent root meaning "to grow fat" or "to be covered with flesh," extending to the state of being thoroughly "covered" or "filled" with abundance. Its singular appearance in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]] is deeply significant, where it describes Jeshurun (Israel) as "covered with fatness," symbolizing the nation's material prosperity leading to spiritual complacency and apostasy. This word, while distinct from the more general "to cover" (`{{H3680}}`), powerfully emphasizes the *result* of being enveloped by prosperity. Theologically, `{{H3780}}` serves as a solemn warning that divine blessings, when not met with humility and remembrance of God, can tragically lead to spiritual decline and rebellion, reminding believers to guard against the dangers of material abundance.
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