English · KJV
H7083

קֶסֶת

qeçeth /keh'-seth/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom the same as כּוֹס (or as קָשָׁה)
Meaningproperly, a cup, i.e. an ink-stand
KJV usageinkhorn.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of qeçeth — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word qeçeth, represented by H7083, is a specific term for an ink-stand or inkhorn. Based on its root, it is properly defined as a cup used as an ink-stand. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, making it a highly specialized word.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

All three biblical appearances of H7083 are found in the vision of Ezekiel 9. The inkhorn serves as the primary identifier for a specific figure in this narrative. In the vision, six men with slaughter weapons appear, but among them is one man clothed in linen with a writer's inkhorn by his side Ezekiel 9:2. This individual is set apart and is the one to whom God calls directly Ezekiel 9:3. The narrative concludes with this same man, identified by the inkhorn at his side, reporting to God that he has completed his commanded task Ezekiel 9:11.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide crucial context for the function and status of the one who carries the inkhorn:

  • H5608 çâphar (scribe, writer): This word is defined as the action "to score with a mark as a tally or record" and can mean "inscribe" or "writer." It is used to describe the inkhorn as belonging to a "writer's" (Ezekiel 9:2, 9:3), specifying its purpose for recording or marking as part of a divine task. The word is also used more broadly to "declare" or "shew forth" God's works (Psalms 19:1, Psalms 9:1).
  • H906 bad (linen): This term for a "linen garment" is used to describe the attire of the man with the inkhorn in all three verses (Ezekiel 9:2, 9:3, 9:11). Linen is also worn by other figures who serve a divine or holy purpose, including heavenly beings in Daniel's visions (Daniel 10:5, Daniel 12:7) and as part of the holy garments for the priesthood Leviticus 16:4.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H7083 is tied entirely to its context in Ezekiel 9.

  • Instrument of a Divine Commission: The inkhorn is not a passive object but the tool of a "writer" (H5608) on a specific mission. The man who carries it is given a direct command from God Ezekiel 9:3 and later reports his compliance Ezekiel 9:11, establishing the inkhorn as an instrument for executing a divine decree.
  • Symbol of a Holy Administrator: The carrier of the inkhorn is uniquely "clothed with linen" (H906), distinguishing him from the other men equipped with slaughter weapons Ezekiel 9:2. This attire connects him to a role of holiness and special service, similar to priests Leviticus 16:4 or angelic messengers Daniel 10:5, suggesting an administrative function within a divine judgment.

Summary

In summary, H7083 qeçeth is a rare term whose meaning is entirely illuminated by its singular context in scripture. As the inkhorn of the writer in Ezekiel 9, it is an emblem of a divinely commissioned task. Connected to the concepts of writing (H5608) and holy service through linen garments (H906), the word highlights the administrative and orderly execution of God's will, even in moments of judgment.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • קֶסֶת
  • קֶּסֶת

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5608 סָפַר a primitive root; properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe, and also to en H906 בַּד perhaps from בָּדַד (in the sense of divided fibres); flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment; linen.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

3 verses, all in Ezekiel — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.