Lexical Summary kav or kavvah: Line, measuring line, cord Original Word: כַּו Strong's Exhaustive Concordance window (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to lahag in the sense of piercing; a window (as a perforation) -- window. see HEBREW lahag NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to kavah Definition window NASB Translation windows (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כַּוָּה NöGGA 1884. 1019] noun feminine window (ᵑ7 כַּוְּתָא, Syriac  , compare SchulthLex. 91 (below *  ), hence Arabic  ,  id., as loan-word Frä13); — plural absolute כַּ וִּין מְּתִיחָן Daniel 6:11 (compare S-CJ6). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Hebrew 3551 (Aramaic) designates a built opening in a house wall or roof—what we would call a window. Beyond its utilitarian role for light, air, and sight, the word evokes ideas of orientation, openness, and public visibility. Biblical Context in Daniel The sole canonical occurrence is Daniel 6:10, where Daniel withdraws to his “upper room where the windows were open toward Jerusalem.” The narrative turns this architectural detail into the stage for a testing of allegiance. The edict of King Darius forbids petition to any god or man but the king; Daniel’s steadfast habit of praying before an open window creates the very evidence used against him. Thus the word frames a conflict between human decree and divine devotion. The records: “three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Historical and Architectural Background Upper rooms in Persian–period residences were prized for ventilation and privacy. Windows were often latticed or shuttered, not glazed, making outward visibility—and therefore public scrutiny—common. Daniel’s choice to keep the windows “open” (not merely present) underscores deliberate transparency; anyone on a nearby rooftop or street could witness his prayers. Theological Significance 1. Orientation toward Jerusalem connects the exile to covenant hope. Daniel faced the city that housed the temple now in ruins (2 Chronicles 6:38–40), affirming confidence in promises of restoration. Intertestamental and New Testament Echoes While different vocabulary is used, later Scripture keeps the motif alive: Practical Ministry Insights • Spiritual disciplines thrive on consistency—Daniel’s thrice-daily rhythm can inform personal and corporate prayer schedules. Related Themes and Passages Window imagery threads through Scripture: deliverance (Joshua 2:15), longing (Song of Solomon 2:9), watchfulness (2 Kings 9:30), and proclamation (Malachi 3:10). Each scene, like Daniel’s, links a simple architectural feature to profound spiritual realities—reminding the church that everyday structures can become altars, and ordinary habits can shape history. Forms and Transliterations וְכַוִּ֨ין וכוין vechavVin wə·ḵaw·wîn wəḵawwînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:10 HEB: עַ֣ל לְבַיְתֵ֔הּ וְכַוִּ֨ין פְּתִיחָ֥ן לֵהּ֙ NAS: (now in his roof chamber he had windows open KJV: into his house; and his windows being open INT: entered his house had windows open his roof 1 Occurrence |
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