כָּסַם
to shear
Definition
The Hebrew verb כָּסַם (kâçam) means 'to shear' or 'to cut the hair,' specifically referring to the act of trimming or shaving the hair of the head. In its sole biblical occurrence in Ezekiel 44:20, it describes a ritual prohibition for priests: they must not shave their heads completely bald. This contrasts with other Hebrew terms for cutting hair that may imply different styles or contexts. The word carries a sense of deliberate, ceremonial grooming related to religious observance.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 44:20. It appears in a context of priestly law and temple service regulations, specifying how priests are to groom their hair. The usage is prescriptive and negative ('they shall not...'), forming part of the holiness code that distinguishes the priests' appearance from pagan mourning practices or common hairstyles.
Etymology
כָּסַם is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning it is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is specifically associated with the shearing or cutting of hair. A related word, כִּרְסֵם (kircēm, H3765), mentioned in the KJV comparison, means 'to nip' or 'to gnaw,' but the connection is likely phonetic or contextual rather than directly etymological.
Semantic Range
The word is theologically significant as it pertains to the holiness and separation of the priesthood in Israel. The prohibition in Ezekiel 44:20 against priests shaving their heads completely (using כָּסַם) helped maintain a distinction from pagan mourning rites (e.g., Leviticus 21:5) and possibly reflected a standard of dignified, natural appearance for those serving in God's temple. Understanding this specific term highlights how even physical grooming was regulated to symbolize spiritual consecration and identity.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, hairstyles often carried religious and social meanings. Complete head-shaving was sometimes associated with pagan mourning rituals or priestly practices in other religions. By restricting כָּסַם, the Israelite law set the priests apart, ensuring their appearance did not mimic idolatrous customs. This reflects a broader biblical theme where external actions signify internal spiritual commitments.
גָּזַז (gāzaz, H1494) — to shear, often used for shearing sheep, but can apply to hair; more general. כָּרַת (kārat, H3772) — to cut off or cut down; broader term not specific to hair.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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