Lexical Summary keseth: Pillow, cushion Original Word: כֶּסֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pillow From kacah; a cushion or pillow (as covering a seat or bed) -- pillow. see HEBREW kacah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a band, fillet NASB Translation bands (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כֶּ֫סֶת] noun feminine band, fillet (= charm or amulet according to Ehpraimitic source Syriac, φυλακτήρια according to ὁ Ἑβραῖος of Hexapl., compare RSJPh xiii, 286; in Late Hebrew כסת usually = cushion, bolster, pillow), only plural מְתַמְּרוֺת כְּסָתוֺת עַלֿ Ezekiel 13:18 women sewing bands upon elbows; with suffix 2 feminine plural כִּסְתוֺתֵיכֶ֫נָה Ezekiel 13:20. כֶּסֶה see כֶּסֶא. כִּסֵּה see כִּסֵּא. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context The word כֶּסֶת appears only in Ezekiel 13:18 and Ezekiel 13:20. In both verses the prophet denounces women who “sew magic bands” or “pillows” (KJV) that are fastened to every wrist. These items are paired with veils placed “on the heads of people of every stature to ensnare souls” (Ezekiel 13:18). The imagery portrays a practice intended to manipulate, control, or “hunt” lives under the guise of prophetic ministry. The Lord responds by tearing off the bands and releasing the people who were trapped (Ezekiel 13:20). Occult Connotations and Cultural Setting Archaeological discoveries from the ancient Near East reveal an assortment of amulets, wrist‐bands, and soft cushions used in incantations and healing rites. Texts from Mesopotamia describe cloth bands inscribed with spells, wrapped around limbs to bind spiritual forces. Ezekiel’s contemporaries would therefore recognize the practice as an illicit adaptation of pagan magic. By calling the devices כֶּסֶת, the prophet exposes them as comfortable, alluring “cushions” that mask their true purpose: spiritual bondage. Symbolism within Ezekiel’s Prophecy 1. False security. Pillows connote ease and rest; the prophetesses promise safety while concealing judgment (compare Ezekiel 13:10–16). Intertextual Reflections • Isaiah 8:19 warns, “Should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” The prophet targets the same craving for secret power that drove the production of כֶּסֶת. Applications for Faith and Ministry 1. Discernment. Modern culture offers soft “cushions” of spiritual comfort—amulets, charms, occult practices, and even distorted forms of prophetic ministry—that must be measured against Scripture. Key Themes for Study and Teaching • Spiritual deception often comes clothed in attractive, soothing forms. Forms and Transliterations כְּסָת֜וֹת כִּסְּתוֹתֵיכֶ֙נָה֙ כסתות כסתותיכנה kə·sā·ṯō·wṯ kesaTot kəsāṯōwṯ kis·sə·ṯō·w·ṯê·ḵe·nāh kissetoteiChenah kissəṯōwṯêḵenāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 13:18 HEB: הוֹי֩ לִֽמְתַפְּר֨וֹת כְּסָת֜וֹת עַ֣ל ׀ כָּל־ NAS: to the women who sew [magic] bands on all KJV: to the [women] that sew pillows to all armholes, INT: Woe sew bands on all Ezekiel 13:20 2 Occurrences |
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