3534. kebesh
Lexical Summary
kebesh: Lamb

Original Word: כֶּבֶשׁ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: kebesh
Pronunciation: keh-besh
Phonetic Spelling: (keh'-besh)
KJV: footstool
NASB: footstool
Word Origin: [from H3533 (כָּבַשׁ - subdued)]

1. a footstool (as trodden upon)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
a footstool

From kabash; a footstool (as trodden upon):

see HEBREW kabash

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from kabash
Definition
footstool
NASB Translation
footstool (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
כֶּ֫בֶשׁ noun [masculine] footstool (late) (Late Hebrew id., step, stair; Aramaic כִּבְשָׁא, etc., a rude seat (rare)) — הַזָּהָב ׳כ2Chronicles 9:18 (of Solomon's throne).

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Usage

The noun כֶּבֶשׁ appears once in the canon, describing the “footstool of gold” fixed to Solomon’s throne (2 Chronicles 9:18). While rare in Scripture, the term later became the standard Hebrew word for any ramp or raised approach, especially the ramp ascending to the altar in Second Temple practice.

Historical Background

Two generations after David, Solomon’s reign (Tenth Century BC) embodied Israel’s zenith of prosperity and international influence. The monarch’s throne room in Jerusalem was built with Lebanese cedar, inlaid ivory, and overlaid gold (1 Kings 10:18–20). The gilded כֶּבֶשׁ attached to the throne was not merely ornamental but an engineering feature that elevated the seated king above the court, emphasizing both accessibility (six steps) and exaltation (a golden landing). At state audiences, envoys first ascended those steps, then paused on the כֶּבֶשׁ before the king—a ritual that dramatised submission to Solomon’s wisdom and authority.

Architectural Significance

1. Elevation and Visibility – The mini-platform created by the כֶּבֶשׁ positioned Solomon at the focal point of the hall, facilitating public judgment (1 Kings 3:28).
2. Continuity with Sanctuary Design – Although the Temple altar ramp is not named in the Old Testament with this word, later Hebrew used כֶּבֶשׁ for that structure. Thus the throne’s footstool anticipated priestly-royal parallels fulfilled in the Messiah (Zechariah 6:13).
3. Symbol of Security – The footstool was “fastened” (מֻחְזָק) to the throne (2 Chronicles 9:18), hinting at permanence; Solomon’s wisdom court foreshadowed the unshakeable kingdom promised to David’s line (2 Samuel 7:16).

Theological Themes

• Kingship and Submission

The golden כֶּבֶשׁ provided a visual of authority requiring ascent: subjects approached the king only by rising toward him. Scripture later universalizes this picture: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” (Psalm 110:1); “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). Solomon’s footstool prefigures the cosmic subjection of all powers under Christ.

• Heaven’s Throne and Earth’s Footstool

Isaiah 66:1 contrasts the infinite majesty of God (“Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool”) with the limitations of human temples. The Chronicles writer, aware of that theology, depicts Solomon’s elevated seat as an earthly echo of the heavenly pattern. The כֶּבֶשׁ functions as a microcosm: the throne above, the footstool below, and worshipers ascending between.

• Accessibility Balanced by Holiness

Six steps invited approach, but lions flanking the armrests (2 Chronicles 9:18–19) guarded the seat. The footstool stands at the threshold where approach ends and royal presence begins—mirroring the veil that once separated priests from the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:33). Sinners may draw near, yet only through ordained means, anticipating the one Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).

Ministry Application

1. Worship Posture – Kneeling or bowing at a “footstool” (Psalm 99:5) embodies humility toward God’s sovereignty. Solomon’s כֶּבֶשׁ reminds believers to approach the throne of grace with reverence and awe (Hebrews 4:16; 12:28).
2. Leadership Design – The throne arrangement models transparency in judgment: elevation for visibility, yet steps for nearness. Christian leaders can structure ministries that maintain doctrinal authority while remaining relationally accessible.
3. Eschatological Hope – The image of every enemy becoming Christ’s footstool (Hebrews 10:13) assures the church of ultimate victory. As Solomon’s footstool was “fastened,” so the believer’s triumph in Christ is secure and irreversible.

Related References for Study

2 Samuel 7:16; 1 Kings 10:18–20; Psalm 110:1; Psalm 99:5; Isaiah 66:1; Zechariah 6:13; Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:34–35; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:12–13; Revelation 1:6.

Forms and Transliterations
וְכֶ֨בֶשׁ וכבש veChevesh wə·ḵe·ḇeš wəḵeḇeš
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Chronicles 9:18
HEB: מַעֲל֣וֹת לַ֠כִּסֵּא וְכֶ֨בֶשׁ בַּזָּהָ֤ב לַכִּסֵּא֙
NAS: to the throne and a footstool in gold
KJV: to the throne, with a footstool of gold,
INT: steps to the throne footstool gold to the throne

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 3534
1 Occurrence


wə·ḵe·ḇeš — 1 Occ.

3533
Top of Page
Top of Page