כָּאָה

to despond; causatively, to deject

Definition

The Hebrew verb כָּאָה (kâʼâh) means to be or become disheartened, downcast, or broken in spirit. It describes a state of emotional or psychological dejection, often resulting from grief, disappointment, or fear. In its causative form (the Hiphil stem), it means to cause someone else to become disheartened or to discourage them, as seen in Ezekiel 13:22 where false prophets 'discourage the heart of the righteous.' The word captures a deep, internal sense of being crushed or made sorrowful.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears only three times in the Old Testament, each in a distinct context that illustrates its meaning. In Psalm 109:16, it describes the psalmist's emotional state: 'he was grieved (כָּאָה), for he showed no mercy.' In Ezekiel 13:22, it is used causatively regarding the damaging effect of false prophecy: 'you have discouraged the heart of the righteous.' In Daniel 11:30, it describes the disheartened emotional reaction of a foreign force: 'he shall be grieved (כָּאָה) and return.' The usage spans poetic (Psalms), prophetic judgment (Ezekiel), and historical prophecy (Daniel).

Etymology

כָּאָה is a primitive root verb. Its core meaning relates to being or making despondent. Cognate connections in other Semitic languages suggest a sense of being pressed down or weakened. The root itself is not widely attested outside biblical Hebrew, making its biblical usage primary for understanding its semantic range of internal discouragement and grief.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the human heart's vulnerability to discouragement, both from internal circumstances (Psalm 109:16) and from external, even spiritual, attacks (Ezekiel 13:22). It highlights the profound impact words and actions can have on the inner life of a believer, underscoring the biblical concern for the 'heart' as the seat of emotion and will. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing the deep emotional texture in passages about grief, false teaching's consequences, and the reactions of powerful figures in prophecy.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the 'heart' (לֵבָב) was understood as the center of intellect, emotion, and will. Therefore, to 'discourage the heart' (Ezekiel 13:22) was not merely to cause sadness but to cripple a person's resolve, courage, and moral conviction. This action was considered especially grievous when perpetrated by spiritual leaders, as it undermined communal and individual faithfulness.

דָּכָא (dāḵāʼ, H1792) — to crush or break physically, often with emotional overtones; more physical than כָּאָה. יָגָה (yāḡâ, H3013) — to grieve, suffer; often implies pain or affliction. עָצַב (ʿāṣaḇ, H6087) — to hurt, pain, grieve; can refer to causing or feeling pain.

Word Details

Scripture References