כָּבֵד (ka.vad)
ka.vad
to honor: honour
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 96 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kâbad carries the core meaning of being heavy or weighty, a physical quality that extends into both positive and negative spiritual realms. In its simplest sense, it describes something substantial, whether that is great wealth, as seen in the description of Abraham’s riches in Genesis 13:2, or a severe burden like the grievous cry of Sodom in Genesis 18:20.
This duality allows the word to signify honor and glory when applied to people or God, reflecting their significant standing. Conversely, it describes hardness or dullness when applied to the human heart or ears, such as Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to listen in Exodus or the spiritual insensitivity described in Isaiah 6:10. The same root that elevates a person to honor can also weigh them down with guilt or obstinacy.
Translators often render kâbad as "glorify" or "honor" when the context is positive, highlighting the weight of divine presence. When the context is negative, they may choose "harden" or "be heavy," preserving the original sense of resistance or burden. This range shows how ancient Hebrew thought linked moral character with physical sensation, viewing honor as something substantial and sin as a crushing weight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kâbad carries a sense of weight or substance. When we speak of honoring someone, we are acknowledging their significant place in our lives. This is not merely polite behavior but a recognition of value that shapes how we treat others. In the family context, this means respecting parents and elders with genuine care, reflecting the dignity God has given them.
Conversely, the same root describes hardness or stubbornness. When hearts become heavy with resistance, they lose sensitivity to truth. Pharaoh’s refusal to listen illustrates how spiritual insensitivity can weigh a person down. We are invited to keep our hearts light and open, allowing God’s presence to guide us rather than letting pride create barriers between us and grace.
Understanding this duality helps us see that honor is substantial. It requires effort and attention. By choosing to honor others and remain receptive to God, we participate in a way of life that brings stability and peace. This balance reminds us that true weightiness comes from faithfulness, not from rigid resistance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 96 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it was heavy4×
- and/ it was heavy4×
- honor3×
- he made heavy3×
- they made heavy2×
- surely <honor>2×
- it will be heavy2×
- it is heavy2×
- he will honor2×
- he honors2×
- and/ honored2×
- and/ I will gain honor2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִכְבָּ֔ד5×
- נִכְבַּדֵּי\־3×
- הִכְבִּ֣יד3×
- כָּבְדָ֥ה2×
- כַּבֵּ֣ד2×
- יְכֻבָּֽד\׃2×
- יְכַבֵּ֑ד2×
- וַ/תִּכְבַּ֤ד2×
- וְ/אִכָּבְדָ֤ה2×
- הַֽ/מְכַבֵּ֨ד2×
- תִּכְבַּ֧ד1×
- תִּכְבַּ֥ד1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:4
I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh.” They did so.
This verse shows God using the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart to display His own honor and power over Egypt.
-
Genesis 18:20
Yahweh said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
Here the word describes the grievous nature of sin, highlighting the heavy burden of wickedness that demands justice.
-
I Samuel 2:30
“Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father should walk before me forever.’ But now Yahweh says, ‘Far be it from me; for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me will be cursed.
God promises to honor those who honor Him, linking human respect for divine authority with reciprocal blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word kâbad mean?
How is kâbad different from other words for honor?
Why does the Bible use one word for both honor and hardening?
Every Occurrence (96 verses across 24 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Yahweh said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
Genesis 34:19The young man didn’t wait to do this thing, because he had delight in Jacob’s daughter, and he was honored above all…
Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed…