כָּבֵד (ka.ved)
ka.ved
heavy
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 36 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective kâbêd literally means "heavy," describing physical weight as seen in Job’s description of his bones being heavy with pain (Job 6:3). Beyond the physical, it signifies greatness or abundance, such as the massive crowd that accompanied Abraham’s son in Genesis 50:9. This positive sense of richness and honor appears when prophets speak of bringing "heavy" tribute to God (Isaiah 66:5), reflecting a status that is significant and substantial.
Conversely, kâbêd carries a negative weight when describing difficulty or oppression. It characterizes burdensome tasks, like the heavy yoke placed on Israel’s shoulders in 1 Kings 12:4, or the "heavy" hand of God in affliction (Psalm 32:4). The word also describes moral dullness or stubbornness, most notably when Pharaoh’s heart is described as "hardened" or heavy (Exodus 7:14), indicating a resistance to change that is dense and difficult to penetrate.
This duality explains why the related noun kavod ("glory") shares the same root. In biblical thought, true glory is not merely decorative but carries substantial weight and importance. The word captures both the burden of sin and the gravity of divine presence, showing that in Scripture, significance is always measured by its impact rather than its size.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kâbêd describes something heavy, whether it is a physical burden or a profound significance. In daily life, we often feel the weight of responsibility, like Moses needing support when his hands grew tired during prayer (Exodus 17:12). This image reminds us that carrying heavy loads does not mean you are failing; it simply means the task requires help and community.
Yet this word also points to something positive. It describes greatness and honor, such as the abundant gifts brought to Solomon or the deep grief of Jacob’s family (Genesis 50:10). In Scripture, true weight is not just about pressure but about presence. When we encounter God, we feel the gravity of His glory, which anchors us even when circumstances feel overwhelming.
Understanding this duality helps us see that heaviness can be a sign of importance. Whether you are facing a difficult season or celebrating a moment of abundance, kâbêd invites you to recognize the substance behind your experiences. It encourages patience and humility, knowing that what feels heavy often carries lasting value.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 36 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- heavy9×
- numerous4×
- massive4×
- [was] heavy4×
- and/ heavy2×
- [is] heavy2×
- <the>/ heavy2×
- heavy of1×
- and/ heavy of1×
- [will be] heavy1×
- [were] heavy1×
- [was] wealthy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּבֵ֥ד6×
- כָּבֵ֣ד6×
- כָבֵ֥ד5×
- כָּבֵ֖ד4×
- כָּבֵ֔ד2×
- כָּבֵ֑ד2×
- הַ/כָּבֵ֛ד2×
- כָּבֵד֙1×
- כֶּ֣בֶד1×
- כְּבֵדִ֔ים1×
- כָבֵ֤ד1×
- כָבֵ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 17:12
But Moses’ hands were heavy; so they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset.
This verse uses kâbêd to describe Moses' physical exhaustion, illustrating the human need for communal support during spiritual warfare.
-
Genesis 50:10
They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and severe lamentation. He mourned for his father seven days.
Here the word modifies 'lamentation,' showing that deep grief carries a significant weight that commands respect from observers.
-
Exodus 9:24
So there was very severe hail, and lightning mixed with the hail, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
The hail is called 'severe' or heavy, emphasizing the tangible and overwhelming nature of God's judgment in Egypt.
-
I Samuel 4:18
When he made mention of God’s ark, Eli fell from off his seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck broke, and he died, for he was an old man and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.
Eli is described as 'heavy,' linking physical age and weight with his long tenure of judging Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kâbêd mean in the Bible?
Why is Pharaoh’s heart called 'heavy'?
How is kâbêd different from other words for 'great'?
Every Occurrence (36 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 9 verses
There was a famine in the land. Abram went down into Egypt to live as a foreigner there, for the famine was severe in…
Genesis 13:2Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
Genesis 41:31and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous.
Genesis 43:1The famine was severe in the land.
Genesis 47:4They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’…
Genesis 47:13There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan…
Genesis 50:9Both chariots and horsemen went up with him. It was a very great company.
Genesis 50:10They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and…
Genesis 50:11When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous…