### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kashshâph**, represented by `{{H3786}}`, defines a **sorcerer** or magician. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entirety of the biblical text, highlighting its specific and serious context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H3786}}` is found in [[Jeremiah 27:9]]. In this passage, the LORD commands the people of Israel not to listen to a variety of spiritual practitioners. The **sorcerers** are listed alongside prophets, diviners, dreamers, and enchanters who were delivering a false message of rebellion against the king of Babylon. The context is one of divine warning, positioning the **sorcerer** as a source of counsel that directly contradicts God's declared will and must be rejected.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word `{{H3786}}` is understood by its association with other roles that God forbids his people from consulting. Several related words appear in the same warning:
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or (generally) inspired man): In this context, it refers to false prophets whose message opposes God's command. True prophets, by contrast, are ordained by God and speak His words ([[Jeremiah 1:5]], [[Deuteronomy 18:18]]).
* `{{H7080}}` **qâçam** (to divine; divine(-r, -ation)): This primitive root refers to determining outcomes through lots or magical scrolls and is consistently listed among forbidden practices [[Deuteronomy 18:10]].
* `{{H6049}}` **ʻânan** (to act covertly, i.e. practise magic; enchanter, soothsayer): This term describes one who practices magic or observes times, another practice explicitly prohibited in scripture [[Leviticus 19:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3786}}` is rooted in its clear prohibition. It serves to delineate between legitimate and illegitimate sources of spiritual guidance.
* **A Source of Deception:** The sorcerer is presented as part of a collective that speaks falsely, promising a different outcome than the one ordained by God. [[Zechariah 10:2]] echoes this, stating that diviners have seen a lie and told false dreams.
* **A Call to Hearken to God:** The command "hearken not" to these figures [[Jeremiah 27:9]] is a direct application of the principle to **shâmaʻ** `{{H8085}}`—to hear intelligently and obey—the voice of the LORD above all others [[Deuteronomy 28:1]].
* **Condemnation by Association:** By being grouped with diviners, enchanters, and false dreamers, the role of the sorcerer is unequivocally marked as a practice of wickedness that provokes God to anger [[2 Kings 21:6]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H3786}}` **kashshâph** is used only once, its meaning is powerful and unambiguous. It identifies a **sorcerer** as a forbidden source of spiritual information. Its sole context in [[Jeremiah 27:9]] places it firmly in a category of practitioners whose counsel is deceptive and stands in direct opposition to the commands of God. The term reinforces the critical biblical imperative to **hearken** `{{H8085}}` only to God and His true prophets, rejecting all forms of illicit divination and sorcery.
TRV