Lexical Summary kelach: vigor, strength Original Word: כֶּלַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance full old age From an unused root meaning to be complete; maturity -- full (old) age. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition firm or rugged strength NASB Translation full vigor (1), vigor (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. כֶּ֫לַח noun masculine possibly firm or rugged strength (see √ above), אֱלֵיקָֿ֑בֶר ׳תָּבוֺא בְכ Job 5:26 thou shalt come in firm strength (with thy body vigorous, powers unimpaired) unto the grave; עָלֵימוֺ אָבַד כָּ֑לַךְ Job 30:2 upon whom vigour has perished. Topical Lexicon Biblical Overview The noun כֶּלַח denotes the fullness of physical strength or vigor that marks the prime of life. Within its two occurrences—Job 5:26 and Job 30:2—it functions as a measure of human vitality, first as an ideal ending and then as a quality that has been lost. Together these texts frame a biblical theology of strength that is rooted in the Creator’s design, subject to the fall, and ultimately restored by covenant grace. Occurrences in Job • Job 5:26—Eliphaz promises the faithful sufferer, “You will come to the grave in full vigor, like a stack of sheaves gathered in season” (Berean Standard Bible). כֶּלַח pictures a ripe harvest—life reaching its intended maturity before being gathered by God. The metaphor upholds divine providence: the same Lord who grants growth also appoints the time of gathering (Psalm 31:15). • Job 30:2—Job laments the mockery of men “whose vigor has perished.” Here כֶּלַח is absent, underscoring their uselessness and highlighting Job’s social humiliation. The loss of vigor portrays creation’s decay outside the protective blessing of righteousness (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7). Theological Significance 1. Gift of God-given Vitality Genesis presents humanity as very good, endowed with strength to work, guard, and cultivate (Genesis 2:15). כֶּלַח celebrates that gift—life brought to its God-ordained fullness—echoed later when Moses dies “with his vigor unabated” (Deuteronomy 34:7). 2. Frailty under the Curse Job 30:2 reminds readers that vigor can fade through sin-distorted circumstances. Scripture repeatedly ties the loss of strength to judgment (Isaiah 40:30) and to the universal consequences of the fall (Romans 8:20-22). 3. Hope of Final Restoration The prophets picture a day when “they will run and not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:31). In the New Covenant, believers anticipate resurrection bodies raised “in power” (1 Corinthians 15:43). The fullness hinted by כֶּלַח will be eternally realized in Christ (Revelation 21:4). Historical and Cultural Context Agrarian imagery saturates Wisdom literature. A “stack of sheaves gathered in season” spoke directly to an audience whose survival depended on timely harvests. Maturity was measured not merely in chronology but in productivity—the capacity to bless the community. Dying with כֶּלַח meant completing one’s earthly stewardship at peak value, leaving no wasted potential. Inter-textual Echoes • Psalm 92:14—“In old age they will still bear fruit,” connecting righteous longevity with continued usefulness. Ministry Applications 1. Finishing Well Believers are urged to cultivate spiritual disciplines that sustain vigor into old age (Joshua 14:10-12). Ministry planning should value seasoned saints as reservoirs of wisdom rather than assume inevitable decline. 2. Compassion for the Frail Job 30:2 calls churches to honor those whose strength is depleted—whether by age, illness, or injustice—reflecting God’s care for the weak (James 1:27). 3. Stewardship of Health While ultimate vigor is God’s gift, Scripture supports responsible care of body and soul (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Proper rest, work, and worship cooperate with divine purpose so that life may reach its full כֶּלַח. Conclusion כֶּלַח stands as a concise biblical witness to human vitality—granted, diminished, and ultimately renewed in the Lord. Its dual appearance in Job invites readers to pursue faithful living that culminates, by grace, in being gathered with undiminished strength into the presence of God. Forms and Transliterations בְכֶ֣לַח בכלח כָּֽלַח׃ כלח׃ ḇə·ḵe·laḥ ḇəḵelaḥ kā·laḥ Kalach kālaḥ veChelachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 5:26 HEB: תָּב֣וֹא בְכֶ֣לַח אֱלֵי־ קָ֑בֶר NAS: to the grave in full vigor, Like the stacking KJV: to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn INT: will come full to the grave Job 30:2 2 Occurrences |
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