כֶּ֫בֶשׁ (ke.vesh)
ke.vesh
footstool
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kevesh translates simply to "footstool," a term that conveys both function and hierarchy. In the biblical world, a footstool was not merely a place to rest one’s feet; it was an accessory of authority, signifying that the person seated above held dominion over what lay beneath. The word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, anchoring its meaning in a very specific royal context.
This single occurrence is found in 2 Chronicles 9:18, describing Solomon’s grand throne. The text notes that the king’s seat had six steps and was topped by a round backrest, with two lions standing on either side and twelve more on the six steps. At the base of this majestic structure sat the kevesh, completing an image of supreme power where even the lowest part of the furniture reflected the monarch's elevated status.
Lexicographers classify this usage as late Hebrew, suggesting it may have entered common royal vocabulary during or after the monarchy period. Unlike earlier poetic images of God’s feet resting on a footstool (as seen in Psalm 99:5), this instance grounds the concept in earthly royalty. The word reminds readers that ancient thrones were architectural statements, designed to visually separate the ruler from the ground and emphasize his supreme position.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kevesh appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, anchoring its meaning in a very specific royal context. In 2 Chronicles 9:18, it describes the footstool of Solomon’s grand throne. This was not merely a place to rest one’s feet; it was an accessory of authority. It signified that the person seated above held dominion over what lay beneath.
For your faith, this image reminds us of the supreme position of God. Ancient thrones were architectural statements, designed to visually separate the ruler from the ground and emphasize his elevated status. When we read about such structures, we are invited to reflect on the majesty of the King who sits above all.
While Solomon’s throne was made of gold and flanked by lions, our God’s throne is established in heaven. This single occurrence grounds the concept in earthly royalty, pointing us toward a greater reality. We can trust that the One who reigns from above cares for those under His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a footstool1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/כֶ֨בֶשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 9:18
There were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and armrests on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests.
This verse uniquely uses kevesh to describe the physical base of Solomon's throne, illustrating royal authority through furniture design.