כְּבוּדָּה
weightiness, i.e. magnificence, wealth
Definition
The Hebrew word כְּבוּדָּה (kᵉbûwddâh) primarily denotes 'weightiness' or 'heaviness,' conveying the idea of substantial value, magnificence, and wealth. In its three biblical occurrences, it describes impressive, valuable possessions being transported. In Judges 18:21, it refers to the 'carriage' or valuable goods of the Danites, including their idols and wealth. In Psalm 45:13, it describes the 'all glorious' and splendid attire of the royal bride, symbolizing her honor and beauty. In Ezekiel 23:41, it portrays the 'stately' bed or couch of the allegorical sisters, representing luxurious and idolatrous furnishings.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, always in contexts of transporting or displaying items of great value and splendor. It appears in narrative (Judges), poetry (Psalms), and prophetic (Ezekiel) books. In Judges 18:21, it describes the physical goods of a migrating tribe. In Psalm 45:13, it poetically elevates the attire of a king's bride. In Ezekiel 23:41, it is used ironically to critique the lavish, idolatrous settings of Jerusalem and Samaria. The pattern shows it applies to both literal valuable cargo and metaphorical descriptions of glory.
Etymology
The word is an irregular feminine passive participle derived from the root כָּבַד (kāḇaḏ, H3513), which means 'to be heavy, weighty, or honored.' This root is central to the concept of 'glory' (כָּבוֹד, kāḇôḏ) in Hebrew. כְּבוּדָּה specifically carries the sense of something that has been made heavy or weighty with value, thus denoting magnificent, valuable possessions or adornments.
Semantic Range
Though used rarely, כְּבוּדָּה connects to the important biblical theme of 'glory' (כָּבוֹד) derived from its root. It illustrates how tangible wealth and splendor can symbolize spiritual honor or, conversely, corrupting luxury. In Psalm 45:13, the 'all glorious' attire of the bride points to the honor bestowed upon her, potentially foreshadowing the glory of the people of God. In Ezekiel 23:41, its use for idolatrous luxury serves as a warning against misplaced glory. Understanding this term enriches reading by linking physical magnificence to deeper concepts of divine honor and human pride.
In ancient Israelite culture, wealth and splendor were often physically transported as visible displays of status and power. The 'carriage' in Judges 18:21 would have been a tangible sign of a tribe's identity and resources. The royal attire in Psalm 45:13 reflects the immense value placed on fine clothing to signify rank and beauty in a royal wedding. The 'stately' bed in Ezekiel represents the height of luxury and self-indulgence in the ancient Near East, associated with pagan ritual feasting. The word captures the cultural link between heavy, valuable objects and perceived honor.
כָּבוֹד (kāḇôḏ, H3519) — The more common abstract noun for 'glory, honor, abundance.' כְּבוּדָּה is a rarer, more concrete term for glorious or weighty possessions. הוֹד (hôḏ, H1935) — Often 'majesty, splendor,' more focused on dignified appearance than material weight. עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer, H6239) — 'Wealth, riches,' a general term for abundance without the connotation of 'heaviness' or glory.
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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