כַּו

כַּו

a window (as a perforation)

Definition

The Hebrew noun כַּו (kav) refers specifically to a window, understood as an opening or perforation in a wall. This term appears only once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 6:10, where it describes the window in Daniel's upper chamber that was opened toward Jerusalem. The definition emphasizes the architectural function of the window as an intentional opening for light and air. Given its single biblical occurrence, no major shifts in meaning across different passages are attested.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. In Daniel 6:10, it describes the window in Daniel's upper room, which he opened so he could pray toward Jerusalem. The usage is straightforward and architectural, denoting a physical feature of a building that served a practical and symbolic purpose in Daniel's devotional practice.

Etymology

The word כַּו (kav) is of Aramaic origin, used within the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible. It derives from a root corresponding to the Hebrew לַהַג (lahag, H3854), which carries a sense of piercing or perforating. This etymological connection directly informs its meaning as a 'window'—an opening made by piercing or creating a hole in a wall.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a common noun, its single usage in Daniel 6:10 carries significant theological weight. The 'window' (kav) opened toward Jerusalem was not merely architectural; it was a deliberate act of devotion and identity. It symbolized Daniel's unwavering commitment to pray to God despite the king's decree, his orientation toward the city of God's temple, and his public testimony of faith. Understanding this specific term enriches the reading of this pivotal narrative of courage and faithfulness under persecution. In the ancient Near East, windows were typically small, high openings in walls, primarily for ventilation and light, and could often be shuttered. The window in Daniel's upper room would have been a private, elevated space, aligning with the common practice of using roof chambers for prayer and retreat. His act of opening it toward Jerusalem physically enacted the Jewish tradition of praying in the direction of the Temple, a profound cultural and religious gesture of longing and loyalty. חַלּוֹן (challon, H2474) — The standard Hebrew word for 'window,' used frequently (e.g., Genesis 8:6), whereas כַּו is its Aramaic counterpart found only in Daniel.

Word Details