### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3806}}` (כָּתַשׁ, *kâthash*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to butt," "to pound," or "to bray." This verb describes a forceful, percussive action, specifically the act of striking something repeatedly and vigorously, often with the intent to crush, pulverize, or break it down into smaller components. The imagery evoked is one of intense physical effort applied to a resistant object. While its semantic range is narrow due to its singular occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, it powerfully conveys the idea of a relentless, even violent, attempt to alter the state or nature of something through blunt force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3806}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Proverbs:
* **[[Proverbs 27:22]]**: "Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him."
In this sole instance, `{{H3806}}` is used metaphorically. The verse presents a vivid and somewhat shocking image: attempting to remove a fool's folly by physically pounding him in a mortar, as one would grind grain. The "pounding" (כָּתַשׁ, *kâthash*) here signifies an extreme, forceful, and persistent effort to eradicate an inherent characteristic. The wisdom literature often employs such hyperbole to make a profound point. The context underscores the deep-seated nature of folly in an unteachable person; no amount of external pressure, however severe or relentless, can dislodge it. This verse highlights the futility of external coercion in changing the internal disposition and character of a stubbornly foolish individual. The folly is not merely superficial but intrinsically woven into the person's being.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H3806}}` stands unique in its specific usage, its semantic field connects it to other Hebrew verbs denoting forceful action, crushing, or breaking:
* `{{H3782}}` (כָּתַת, *kātat*): To beat fine, crush, or cut off. This word shares a similar consonantal root and conveys the idea of pulverization or destruction through forceful impact, often with a more definitive outcome of breaking something into pieces.
* `{{H1792}}` (דָּכָא, *dākā*): To crush, be crushed, break in pieces, or oppress. This word often carries a connotation of being broken down, either physically or spiritually, and can refer to a state of being contrite or oppressed.
* `{{H7533}}` (רָצַץ, *rātsats*): To crush, break, oppress, or maltreat. This verb frequently describes the act of crushing an enemy or oppressing the vulnerable, implying a destructive and often violent application of force.
* `{{H6461}}` (פָּצַץ, *pātsats*): To break in pieces or dash to pieces. This word emphasizes the result of breaking something into fragments.
Compared to these, `{{H3806}}` specifically emphasizes the *action* of repetitive, strong blows (like pounding or butting), rather than solely the outcome of being crushed. Its singular use in Proverbs 27:22 makes it particularly evocative for describing a futile, forceful attempt to alter an intrinsic nature.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet potent, appearance of `{{H3806}}` in [[Proverbs 27:22]] carries significant theological weight, particularly within the wisdom tradition. It serves as a stark reminder of the limits of external force in achieving internal transformation.
1. **The Nature of Folly and Sin**: The verse suggests that folly, and by extension, sin, is not a superficial veneer that can be simply beaten out of a person. It is deeply ingrained, a part of the very fabric of the stubborn individual's being. This highlights the profound spiritual nature of human depravity and resistance to wisdom.
2. **Divine Wisdom vs. Human Coercion**: The passage implicitly contrasts human attempts at forceful change with God's methods of transformation. True wisdom and righteousness are not instilled through physical "pounding" but through the fear of the Lord, inner conviction, instruction, and divine discipline that leads to repentance and heart change. The futility of `{{H3806}}` applied to a fool underscores that authentic spiritual growth is an internal process, often facilitated by divine grace and truth, rather than external compulsion.
3. **The Sovereignty of the Human Will**: While God can break and humble, this proverb speaks to the stubbornness of the human will that resists even the most extreme forms of external pressure. It acknowledges a dimension of human obstinacy that is impervious to brute force, emphasizing the need for a change of heart that only God can truly effect.
4. **Implications for Discipline and Evangelism**: For the community of faith, this verse cautions against relying solely on harsh measures or coercive tactics to bring about genuine spiritual change. While discipline is necessary, the proverb implies that if the heart remains unchanged, external pressure will be fruitless. It points to the importance of addressing the root of the issue, which is often a matter of the heart and mind, rather than merely external behavior.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3806}}` (כָּתַשׁ, *kâthash*) signifies the forceful, repetitive action of "to butt" or "to pound," akin to braying grain in a mortar. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Proverbs 27:22]] vividly illustrates the futility of attempting to remove deep-seated folly from a stubborn individual through any amount of external, physical coercion. This powerful metaphor highlights that true transformation of character, particularly from folly to wisdom, is not a superficial process amenable to brute force, but rather an internal change of heart and mind. The word thus serves as a theological statement on the ingrained nature of sin and folly, and by implication, the necessity of divine intervention and inner conviction for genuine spiritual growth, rather than relying on mere external pressure.
TRV