Lexical Summary Kimah: Pleiades Original Word: כִּימָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Pleiades, seven stars From the same as kuwmaz; a cluster of stars, i.e. The Pleiades -- Pleiades, seven stars. see HEBREW kuwmaz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a cluster of stars NASB Translation Pleiades (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs כִּימָה noun feminine perhaps Pleiades (see above; Late Hebrew id.; ᵑ7 כִּימָא, ᵑ6  ) — as made by ׳י, Amos 5:8 ("" כְּסִיל), Job 9:9 ("" עָשׁ, כְּסִיל, חַדְרֵי תֵמָן); and under his control, ׳מַעֲדַנּוֺת כ Job 38:31 ("" משְׁכוֺת כְּסִיל). — (SternJüd. Zeitschr. f. Wissen. u. Leben. iii.((1864-65) 258 ff. Nö in SchenkelBL HoffmZAW iii. 107 ff. interpret עשׁ as Pleiades, and כימה as Sirius). Topical Lexicon Astronomical Identity Kîmāh designates the stellar cluster commonly called the Pleiades, a compact group of bright stars situated in the constellation Taurus. Easily recognizable with the naked eye, the cluster has served as a celestial landmark for navigation and as a seasonal marker in agrarian societies. Scripture’s reference to Kîmāh underscores the precision of divine craftsmanship evident in the ordered heavens. Occurrences and Literary Contexts • Job 9:9 presents Kîmāh among other constellations to magnify the LORD’s creative power: “He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.” Across these passages the cluster functions as a touchstone for divine transcendence; whether in poetic wisdom (Job) or trenchant prophecy (Amos), Kîmāh testifies that the universe is neither random nor self-sustaining but held together by the word of its Creator. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty: The unchanging course of Kîmāh illustrates God’s dominion over time and space. He “binds” or “loosens” the cluster at will, an image of unassailable authority. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near-Eastern texts and star charts confirm that the Pleiades signaled the onset of rainy seasons and agricultural cycles. Shepherds, sailors, and farmers watched Kîmāh for practical guidance. By invoking a constellation familiar to all strata of society, biblical authors communicated theological truths in universally accessible language. The constancy of Kîmāh, rising and setting with seasonal regularity, reinforced Israel’s confession of a faithful Creator who sustains creation in rhythmic order (Genesis 8:22). Ministry Applications • Apologetics: The intricate structure and predictable motion of Kîmāh serve as an entry point for defending intelligent design and the reliability of Genesis cosmology. Christological Reflection Colossians 1:16-17 affirms that “in Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.” Kîmāh thus points beyond itself to the pre-eminent Christ, through whom, and for whom, the stars exist. The unbreakable “chains of the Pleiades” become an emblem of the steadfast covenant secured in the Lord Jesus, whose sustaining power guarantees both cosmic order and the believer’s eternal hope. Homiletical Insights 1. Title: “Chains of the Pleiades: When the Unmovable Meets the Almighty” – exploring Job 38:31 as a call to trust. In sum, Kîmāh is not merely an ancient astronomical notation; it is a scriptural signpost directing believers to contemplate God’s glory, embrace humility, and live in covenant fidelity under the Creator who both sets the stars in their courses and lovingly guides His people. Forms and Transliterations וְכִימָ֗ה וכימה כִּימָ֑ה כִימָ֜ה כימה chiMah kî·māh ḵî·māh kiMah kîmāh ḵîmāh vechiMah wə·ḵî·māh wəḵîmāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 9:9 HEB: עָ֭שׁ כְּסִ֥יל וְכִימָ֗ה וְחַדְרֵ֥י תֵמָֽן׃ NAS: Orion and the Pleiades, And the chambers KJV: Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers INT: the Bear Orion and the Pleiades and the chambers of the south Job 38:31 Amos 5:8 3 Occurrences |
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