קָסַם
properly, to distribute, i.e. determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
Definition
The Hebrew verb קָסַם (qāsam) fundamentally means to practice divination, which is the attempt to gain hidden knowledge or foresee the future through supernatural means. In the Bible, it specifically refers to forbidden methods of seeking guidance apart from God, such as casting lots (Joshua 13:22), interpreting omens, or using magical objects (Ezekiel 21:21). The related noun can refer to the divination practice itself or to the diviner, the person who performs these acts (Deuteronomy 18:10). Throughout Scripture, this activity is consistently portrayed as a serious sin against the Lord, who alone holds the future.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively in contexts condemning pagan religious practices. It appears in legal texts that explicitly forbid it (Deuteronomy 18:10, 14), in historical narratives describing the elimination of such practitioners (Joshua 13:22; 1 Samuel 28:8), and in prophetic condemnations of both Israel and the nations for relying on it instead of God (Isaiah 3:2; 44:25; Ezekiel 13:23). Its usage is concentrated in the Torah, Historical Books, and Prophets, always with a negative connotation.
Etymology
The root קָסַם is a primitive verb. Its core meaning relates to dividing or distributing, which likely connects to the practice of casting lots (like drawing straws) to make a decision or determine an outcome. From this concrete action, the meaning expanded to encompass the broader category of seeking knowledge through supernatural, non-Yahwistic means.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it defines a major boundary between true and false worship. Divination (qāsam) represents humanity's attempt to control or access the spiritual realm on its own terms, rejecting dependence on God's revelation. It is the antithesis of seeking guidance from God through prophets, the Urim and Thummim, or prayer. Understanding this stark contrast enriches reading by highlighting the biblical theme that God's people must rely solely on Him for truth about the future and His will.
In the ancient Near East, divination was a widespread and accepted practice for making important decisions, from matters of state to personal inquiries. Kings routinely consulted diviners before battles or major undertakings. Israel's strict prohibition against qāsam (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) set them apart culturally, demanding exclusive reliance on Yahweh and His appointed prophets. The modern concept of 'fortune-telling' or 'psychic readings' is a direct parallel to these ancient forbidden practices.
עָנַן (ʿānan, H6049) — Often refers to cloud-based divination or observing specific times/omens. נָחַשׁ (nāḥaš, H5172) — Refers to serpent-based divination, enchantment, or whispering incantations. קֶסֶם (qesem, H7081) — The noun form of קָסַם, meaning the act of divination or an oracle itself.
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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