a primitive root properly, to be straight or right; by implication, to be acceptable; also to succeed or prosper; direct, be right, prosper.
Transliteration:kâshêr
Pronunciation:kaw-share'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr), Strong's `{{H3787}}`, is a primitive root carrying the foundational meaning of "to be straight" or "to be right." This core sense extends semantically to several important implications. Primarily, it conveys the idea of something being "acceptable," "fitting," or "proper." This suggests an alignment with a standard, whether moral, procedural, or aesthetic. By implication, when something is "right" or "fitting," it often leads to positive outcomes; thus, the word also encompasses the notions of "succeeding" or "prospering." The range therefore spans from an intrinsic state of rectitude to the consequential state of effectiveness and favorable results.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Ecclesiastes and Esther. Its limited occurrences nonetheless provide clear insight into its nuanced meaning:
1. **Ecclesiastes 10:10**: "If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength; but wisdom has the advantage of giving success." Here, כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) is translated as "success" or "profit" (often rendered as "advantage" or "profitability" in various translations). The Preacher contrasts the futility of unsharpened tools with the efficacy of wisdom. Wisdom is presented as that which makes things effective, leading to a desirable and profitable outcome. The implication is that wisdom makes actions "right" or "appropriate," thereby ensuring their success. It speaks to the practical utility and beneficial nature of applied knowledge.
2. **Esther 8:5**: "And she said, 'If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing is right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces.'" In this passage, כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) is rendered as "right" or "acceptable." Esther's plea hinges on the proposed action being deemed "right" or "fitting" in the eyes of King Ahasuerus. It denotes something that is appropriate, proper, and agreeable to the monarch's will and judgment. This usage highlights the aspect of conformity to an external standard or approval.
Across these contexts, the underlying theme of something being in a correct or proper state is evident, whether it leads to practical success (Ecclesiastes) or gains the approval of an authority (Esther).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) intersects with several other Hebrew terms that convey notions of rectitude, fitness, and efficacy:
* **`{{H3477}}` יָשָׁר (yashar)**: Meaning "straight," "upright," or "righteous." This word is closely aligned with the core sense of כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) as "to be straight or right," often referring to moral uprightness or a direct path.
* **`{{H6662}}` צֶדֶק (tsedeq)**: "Righteousness" or "justice." While not directly related by root, it shares the conceptual space of adherence to a divine or moral standard, leading to what is "right."
* **`{{H2896}}` טוֹב (tov)**: "Good," "pleasing," or "beneficial." This word often describes that which is acceptable or brings about positive results, resonating with the "acceptable" and "succeed" aspects of כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr).
* **`{{H6743}}` צָלַח (tsalach)**: "To prosper," "succeed," or "be profitable." This verb directly overlaps with the "succeed" and "prosper" components of כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr), particularly as seen in Ecclesiastes.
* **`{{H7919}}` שָׂכַל (sakhal)**: "To be prudent," "to prosper," "to understand." This word links wisdom and understanding with successful outcomes, paralleling the connection between wisdom and "success" in [[Ecclesiastes 10:10]].
The unique contribution of כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) lies in its concise encapsulation of both the intrinsic state of being "right" or "fitting" and the resultant benefit or acceptability. It bridges the gap between proper alignment and effective outcome.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) stems from its dual emphasis on "rightness" and "acceptability/success."
1. **Divine Standard and Approval**: While the occurrences in Esther refer to human kingship, the concept of something being "right" or "acceptable" inherently points to a standard. For the believer, the ultimate standard is God's will and His righteous character. What is "kâshêr" in the divine economy is that which aligns with God's perfect law and purpose. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of seeking to "walk uprightly" or "do what is right in the eyes of the Lord" ([[Deuteronomy 6:18]], [[1 Kings 11:38]]).
2. **Wisdom and Efficacy**: In Ecclesiastes, wisdom is the quality that makes things "kâshêr" or effective. This highlights the biblical teaching that true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord ([[Proverbs 9:10]]), is not merely theoretical but profoundly practical, leading to beneficial and successful living. It suggests that aligning one's actions with divine wisdom ensures their efficacy and profitability in a spiritual and often temporal sense.
3. **Holiness and Fitness**: Though the verb itself is distinct from the adjective "kosher" (which also derives from this root), the underlying principle of fitness or acceptability before God is a profound theological concept. It speaks to the idea of a life lived in accordance with divine requirements, making one's offerings, actions, or very being "acceptable" or "pleasing" to God ([[Romans 12:1]]). It underscores the importance of living a life that is "straight" and "right" in God's sight, leading to His favor and blessing.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr), Strong's `{{H3787}}`, signifies fundamentally "to be straight" or "to be right." This core meaning expands into two primary semantic domains: that which is "acceptable," "fitting," or "proper" (as seen in [[Esther 8:5]]), and that which leads to "success" or "profit" (as in [[Ecclesiastes 10:10]]). Though rare in the biblical text, its occurrences powerfully convey the idea of alignment with a standard, whether human or divine, which results in either approval or effective outcome. Theologically, כָּשֵׁר (kâshêr) underscores the importance of living in accordance with divine wisdom and standards, leading to a life that is both "right" in God's eyes and ultimately fruitful. It bridges the concepts of moral rectitude, practical efficacy, and divine favor.
TRV