Lexical Summary Kesil: Fool, foolhardy, insolent Original Word: כְּסִיל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance constellation, Orion The same as kciyl; any notable constellation; specifically Orion (as if a burly one) -- constellation, Orion. see HEBREW kciyl NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from kasal Definition a heavenly constellation NASB Translation constellations (1), Orion (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. כְּסִיל noun masculine Orion (relation to above √ obscure); — Amos 5:8; Job 9:9; also תְּפַתֵּחַ ׳משְׁכוֺת כ Job 38:31 the cords of Orion wilt (canst) thou let out ? (apparently some mythological allusion, see Di Che, to giant bound in skies; compare Homer 'Ωρίωνα δοκεύει, and σθέηος Ὠρίωνος); both times associated with the Pleiades; suffix כְּסִילֵיהֶם their Orions Isaiah 13:10, Orion and other constellations of the same brilliancy. Topical Lexicon Overview The Hebrew term כְּסִיל (kesil) designates the constellation Orion. When Scripture names this cluster of stars, it is never to support astrology or fate, but to magnify the Creator whose power orders the heavens. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Job 9:9 – “He is the One who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.” Literary Setting and Purpose In the book of Job, Orion is cited within speeches that press home the creature-Creator distinction. Job cannot control the “belt” of Orion, but the LORD who laid the earth’s foundations governs each star. In Isaiah and Amos the constellation appears in prophetic oracles. Isaiah 13:10 foretells cosmic dimming as a sign of divine judgment on Babylon; Amos 5:8 links Orion to dawn, rain, and the seas, underscoring Yahweh’s authority over creation in a call to repentance. Ancient Near Eastern Background Other cultures personified Orion as a warrior-hunter and wove myths around its annual risings. By contrast, the Hebrew text demythologizes the constellation. Orion is not a rival deity but a handiwork of the one true God. This polemic approach both affirms Genesis 1 and guards Israel against astral worship (Deuteronomy 4:19). Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty: Each mention of Orion focuses attention on God who “determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name” (Psalm 147:4). Ministry and Devotional Application 1. Worship: Observing Orion in the night sky becomes an occasion to adore the Lord who “stretches out the heavens like a tent” (Isaiah 40:22). Christological Perspective Revelation 1:16 pictures the exalted Christ with a face shining “like the sun in all its brilliance,” exceeding even the stars of Orion. The constellation that once guided sailors now serves as a faint analogue to the “bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16) who guides the church. Thus, Orion’s splendor anticipates the greater light of the Lord Jesus, in whom creation and redemption converge. Forms and Transliterations וּכְסִ֗יל וּכְסִ֣ילֵיהֶ֔ם וכסיל וכסיליהם כְּסִ֣יל כְּסִ֥יל כסיל kə·sîl keSil kəsîl ū·ḵə·sî·lê·hem ū·ḵə·sîl ucheSil ucheSileiHem ūḵəsîl ūḵəsîlêhemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 9:9 HEB: עֹֽשֶׂה־ עָ֭שׁ כְּסִ֥יל וְכִימָ֗ה וְחַדְרֵ֥י NAS: the Bear, Orion and the Pleiades, KJV: Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, INT: makes the Bear Orion and the Pleiades and the chambers Job 38:31 Isaiah 13:10 Amos 5:8 4 Occurrences |
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