Lexical Summary kasam: To practice divination, to divine Original Word: כָּסַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance only, poll A primitive root; to shear -- X only, poll. Compare kircem. see HEBREW kircem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to shear, clip NASB Translation only trim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כָּסַם] verb shear, clip (Assyrian kasâmu, cut in pieces, according to DlHWB 344); — only Qal Imperfect and Infinitive absolute כָּסוֺם יִכְסְמוּ אֶתרָֿאשֵׁיהֶם Ezekiel 44:20 they shall by all means clip their heads (opposed to יְגַלֵּ֔חוּ shave and יְשַׁלֵּ֑חוּ, i.e. let grow freely). Topical Lexicon Overview of Biblical Usage The verb כָּסַם appears in Ezekiel 44:20, twice in the Hebrew text of that single verse. It portrays the action of carefully trimming or clipping the hair. The context is a set of priestly regulations revealed during Ezekiel’s temple vision, delineating how sons of Zadok are to present themselves before the LORD. Covenantal Context in Ezekiel Ezekiel 40–48 restores hope to the exiles by outlining a future temple and reinstituted worship that honors God’s holiness. Within that vision, Ezekiel 44:15-31 specifies conduct for priests “who kept charge of My sanctuary” when Israel went astray. Verse 20 instructs: “They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long; they must carefully trim their hair.” (Ezekiel 44:20) Here כָּסַם stands between two extremes—total shaving and unchecked length—signifying a measured, balanced devotion suitable for men set apart for sacred service. Symbolism of Hair in Scripture 1. Identity and consecration (Numbers 6:5; Judges 16:17). In each case, hair communicates spiritual realities. By commanding “carefully trimmed” hair, the LORD underscores that His priests must display disciplined self-control, neither adopting pagan tonsure patterns nor neglecting their appearance in a way that mirrors worldly excess. Priestly Holiness and Moderation The balance implied by כָּסַם complements broader priestly guidelines: sobriety (Leviticus 10:9), marital purity (Leviticus 21:7), and avoidance of defilement (Leviticus 21:1-4). External moderation reflects internal holiness, guarding worship from distractions and maintaining focus on God’s glory. Historical Background Ancient Near Eastern priests often shaved their heads to mark allegiance to particular deities. Israel’s priests were forbidden such practices (Leviticus 21:5) to avoid syncretism. Post-exilic communities, mindful of past compromises, emphasized distinctiveness; Ezekiel’s vision reinforces that separation while allowing culturally respectable grooming—hence the command to כָּסַם. Ministry Application 1. Appearance should support, not undermine, ministry credibility (1 Timothy 3:2). Intertextual Connections • Balance mirrors the principle of “neither turning aside to the right nor to the left” (Joshua 1:7). Theological Reflection כָּסַם reminds readers that holiness encompasses body and spirit. God, who numbers the very hairs of His people (Luke 12:7), cares about details because they reveal the heart. Obedience in apparently minor regulations positions believers to experience the Lord’s presence in fuller measure. Conclusion Though appearing only within one verse, כָּסַם contributes meaningfully to the Bible’s portrayal of consecrated service. It urges God’s people toward visible moderation that springs from inward devotion, reinforcing the timeless call: “You are to be holy to Me, because I the LORD am holy” (Leviticus 20:26). Forms and Transliterations יִכְסְמ֖וּ יכסמו כָּס֥וֹם כסום kā·sō·wm kaSom kāsōwm yichseMu yiḵ·sə·mū yiḵsəmūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 44:20 HEB: לֹ֣א יְשַׁלֵּ֑חוּ כָּס֥וֹם יִכְסְמ֖וּ אֶת־ NAS: grow long; they shall only trim KJV: to grow long; they shall only poll INT: not grow shall only trim their heads Ezekiel 44:20 2 Occurrences |
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