from קָהַל; an assemblage; assembly, congregation.
Transliteration:qᵉhillâh
Pronunciation:keh-hil-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun קְהִלָּה (qᵉhillâh, `{{H6952}}`) is derived from the verbal root קָהַל (qāhal, `{{H6950}}`), meaning "to assemble" or "to gather." As a feminine noun, qᵉhillâh signifies an "assemblage," "assembly," or "congregation." Its core meaning emphasizes the act of being gathered or convened, indicating a group of people who have come together for a specific purpose, rather than a random collection. The semantic range thus encompasses both general gatherings and more formally constituted bodies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While qᵉhillâh (`{{H6952}}`) is less frequent than its masculine counterpart קָהָל (qāhāl, `{{H6951}}`), its occurrences provide significant insight into its usage. It appears predominantly in later biblical books, particularly Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and Ecclesiastes.
In historical narratives, qᵉhillâh often refers to a large gathering of people, sometimes with a specific, important purpose:
* [[Ezra 10:1]] describes "a very great assembly of men, women, and children" who had gathered to mourn over the transgression of intermarriage. This highlights the communal nature of repentance and covenant renewal.
* [[Nehemiah 5:7]] depicts Nehemiah calling "a great assembly against them" to confront the nobles and officials regarding their usurious practices. Here, the qᵉhillâh serves as a forum for justice and social reform.
* [[Nehemiah 8:2]] speaks of Ezra reading the Law "before the assembly of men and women and all who could understand," underscoring the assembly as the place for divine instruction and communal learning.
* In Chronicles, it can refer to the assembled people of Israel, such as "all the assembly" in [[1 Chronicles 29:1]] during David's preparations for the temple, or "all the assembly of Judah" in [[2 Chronicles 30:25]] celebrating the Passover. These contexts emphasize the corporate worship and unity of the nation.
A unique usage is found in [[Ecclesiastes 12:11]], where it refers to "masters of assemblies" (בַּעֲלֵי אֲסֻפּוֹת). Here, qᵉhillâh might denote a collection of wise sayings or a group of sages, indicating a more intellectual or instructional gathering rather than a national convocation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root קָהַל (qāhal, `{{H6950}}`), which describes the act of assembling. More significantly, qᵉhillâh (`{{H6952}}`) is closely related to קָהָל (qāhāl, `{{H6951}}`), a masculine noun meaning "assembly" or "congregation." While both words denote a gathered group, qāhāl (`{{H6951}}`) is far more prevalent and often carries the specific theological weight of "the congregation of Israel" or "the assembly of the Lord" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 23:1]]). qᵉhillâh (`{{H6952}}`) can sometimes be used interchangeably with qāhāl (`{{H6951}}`), particularly in the later books, but it often describes a specific instance of gathering or a more general type of assembly, whereas qāhāl (`{{H6951}}`) frequently refers to the formal, covenantal body of Israel itself.
Another important related term is עֵדָה ('edah, `{{H5712}}`), also meaning "congregation" or "community," particularly prominent in the Pentateuch. While qāhāl (`{{H6951}}`) and qᵉhillâh (`{{H6952}}`) emphasize the *act* of gathering, ‘edah (`{{H5712}}`) often highlights the *community* itself, underscoring its shared identity and purpose.
In the Septuagint (LXX), both qāhāl (`{{H6951}}`) and qᵉhillâh (`{{H6952}}`) are frequently translated by the Greek word ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, `{{G1577}}`), which later became the standard term for the Christian "church" in the New Testament. This linguistic bridge highlights the continuity of God's people as a called-out and gathered assembly, from Old Testament Israel to the New Testament Church.
### Theological Significance
The word qᵉhillâh (`{{H6952}}`), particularly when it refers to the "assembly of Israel," underscores the corporate nature of God's people. It signifies that God interacts with His people not merely as isolated individuals but as a collective, a called-out body. This concept is foundational to Israel's identity as a covenant nation.
The assembly was the venue for critical theological acts:
* **Divine Revelation and Instruction:** As seen in [[Nehemiah 8:2]], the qᵉhillâh was where the Law of God was read and expounded, emphasizing the communal reception of divine truth.
* **Worship and Covenant Renewal:** Gatherings for Passover ([[2 Chronicles 30:25]]) or for repentance ([[Ezra 10:1]]) demonstrate the assembly's role in communal worship, confession of sin, and reaffirmation of the covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Communal Decision-Making and Justice:** The qᵉhillâh could be convened to address social injustices or make significant decisions affecting the community, reflecting the corporate responsibility of God's people.
The very existence of the qᵉhillâh implies God's active role in calling His people together and His presence among them. It foreshadows the New Testament concept of the *ekklesia* (church) as the new covenant assembly, a people gathered by Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, called to worship, learn, and live out God's purposes in the world.
### Summary
קְהִלָּה (qᵉhillâh, `{{H6952}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root קָהַל (qāhal, `{{H6950}}`), signifying an "assemblage," "assembly," or "congregation." While less frequent than קָהָל (qāhāl, `{{H6951}}`), it consistently denotes a gathered group of people, often for a specific and significant purpose. Its usage in books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles highlights its role in referring to the communal body of Israel, whether for worship, instruction, or decision-making. Theologically, qᵉhillâh emphasizes the corporate identity of God's people, their communal life under the covenant, and their collective responsibility before Him. Its translation as ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, `{{G1577}}`) in the Septuagint provides a crucial link to the New Testament concept of the Church, affirming the enduring truth of God's people as a divinely called and gathered assembly.
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