Lexical Summary ka'ah: To be disheartened, to be dejected, to be grieved Original Word: כָּאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance broken, be grieved, make sad A primitive root; to despond: causatively, to deject -- broken, be grieved, make sad. Brown-Driver-Briggs [כָּאָה] verb Niph`al be disheartened, cowed (compare Arabic Niph`al Perfect וְנִכְאָה consecutive Daniel 11:30 then shall he be cowed; Participle נִכְאֵה לֵבָב Psalm 109:16 downhearted ("" עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֺן). Hiph`il Infinitive construct הַכְאוֺת לֵב צַדִּיק Ezekiel 13:22; but ᵐ5 ᵑ7 Co הכאבתן see כָּאַב. Topical Lexicon Definition and ConceptThe verb conveys the idea of a heart that sinks, a spirit that droops, or a resolve that grows faint. It pictures an inner weakening—whether emotional, spiritual, or moral—rather than mere physical fatigue. In biblical thought, the heart is the seat of trust and obedience; therefore, when the heart is “discouraged,” covenant faithfulness is threatened. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Ezekiel 13:22 – directed against false prophets who have “disheartened the righteous” but “encouraged the wicked.” Though brief in distribution, the word’s placement in these strategic passages highlights two arenas in which discouragement operates: deceptive ministry and geopolitical turmoil. Prophetic Context in Ezekiel Ezekiel confronts self-appointed prophets who claim divine sanction for their imaginations. Their lies sap the morale of the remnant already living under judgment. “Because you disheartened the righteous with falsehood, when I did not grieve him, and encouraged the wicked not to turn from his evil way…” (Ezekiel 13:22). Key points: Eschatological and Historical Context in Daniel Daniel 11:30 portrays a Seleucid fleet (the “ships of Kittim”) that thwarts Antiochus IV. Frustrated, he turns his fury toward the covenant community. The text says his forces “shall be discouraged,” a turning point that redirects their hostility. The verse illustrates how geopolitical disappointment can metastasize into persecution of God’s people. Pastoral observations: Theological Significance 1. Discouragement is not morally neutral; it can erode obedience (Numbers 32:9; Deuteronomy 1:28). Ministry Implications • Teachers and prophets must ensure their words align with Scripture lest they wound the righteous. New Testament Echoes While the vocabulary shifts from Hebrew to Greek, the theme recurs: These passages affirm that discouragement is still a threat within the covenant community, and the remedy remains mutual encouragement anchored in God’s promises. Practical Application 1. Speak truth seasoned with hope (Ephesians 4:29). The rare but pointed use of this verb reminds believers that safeguarding hearts from discouragement is a vital aspect of faithful ministry and resilient discipleship. Forms and Transliterations הַכְא֤וֹת הכאות וְנִכְאָ֔ה ונכאה hachot haḵ’ōwṯ haḵ·’ō·wṯ venichAh wə·niḵ·’āh wəniḵ’āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 13:22 HEB: יַ֣עַן הַכְא֤וֹת לֵב־ צַדִּיק֙ NAS: Because you disheartened the righteous KJV: of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; INT: Because disheartened the heart the righteous Daniel 11:30 2 Occurrences |