Bible Word Study
כָּהָה
kâhâh · to be weak, i.e. (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull
כָּהָה
to be weak, i.e. (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull
Definition
The Hebrew verb כָּהָה (kâhâh) primarily means 'to grow dim' or 'to be weak,' describing a loss of strength or vitality. In a literal sense, it refers to the dimming of eyesight due to old age, as seen with Isaac in Genesis 27:1. Figuratively, it expresses emotional or spiritual despondency, such as a failing spirit (Job 17:7) or a prophecy that will not grow dim (Isaiah 42:4). In its causative form (Hiphil), it means 'to rebuke' or 'restrain,' as when God rebukes the sea (e.g., conceptually linked to restraining power).
Biblical Usage
כָּהָה is used 7 times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, prophetic, and poetic books. Its literal usage for dimming eyesight is found in Genesis 27:1 and Deuteronomy 34:7 (describing Moses). The figurative sense of a failing spirit or dimmed hope appears in Job 17:7 and 1 Samuel 3:13 (regarding Eli's sons). In prophecy, it describes an unextinguished hope (Isaiah 42:4) or a dimmed eye symbolizing judgment (Zechariah 11:17; Ezekiel 21:7).
Etymology
A primitive root, כָּהָה is related to the idea of becoming faint or feeble. Cognates may include Aramaic and Arabic words for 'to be dark' or 'dim,' suggesting a core meaning of fading intensity, whether of light, vision, or strength.
Semantic Range
This word enriches understanding of human frailty and divine sustenance. It depicts the natural decline of life (e.g., Isaac, Moses) yet also God's preservation of hope and prophecy (Isaiah 42:4). In contexts of rebuke or restraint (causative), it hints at God's sovereign control over chaos or sin. The dimming eye can symbolize spiritual blindness under judgment (Zechariah 11:17), contrasting with God's enduring light. In ancient Israel, dimming eyesight was a common sign of advanced age and diminished vitality, often associated with wisdom's end or impending death. The eye was considered the 'lamp of the body' (Proverbs 15:30), so its dimming carried deep symbolic weight for emotional and spiritual state, more holistic than mere physical sight. חָשַׁךְ (châshak, H2821) — to be or become dark, often for literal darkness or obscurity. דָּעַךְ (dâʿak, H1846) — to go out, be extinguished (of a lamp or fire). כָּלָה (kâlâh, H3615) — to be complete, finished, or fail (broader sense of cessation).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]