כַּד (kad)
kad
jar
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kad refers to a portable jar or vessel, typically used for carrying liquids like water or oil. It appears sixteen times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Genesis, Judges, and 1 Kings. These jars were essential household items, designed for everyday utility rather than ceremonial display.
In narrative contexts, the kad often highlights themes of provision and hospitality. For instance, Rebekah draws water from a well using such a jar to meet Abraham’s servant (Genesis 24:15), while the Shunammite woman uses one to ensure her family has enough oil during a famine (2 Kings 4:6). These examples show how ordinary objects play significant roles in biblical stories.
Its simplicity reflects the practical nature of ancient life. Unlike larger storage containers, the kad was meant for personal or small-group use, emphasizing its role in daily routines. This unassuming word reminds readers that even mundane tools can carry profound meaning when placed within God’s story.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
A kad was a simple clay jar used for carrying water or oil in ancient Israel. It represents the ordinary tools of daily life, yet Scripture shows how God uses these humble items to provide for His people. When Rebekah offered water from her pitcher to Abraham’s servant, she did not know it would lead to Isaac (Genesis 24:15). Her simple act of hospitality became part of a larger divine plan.
Similarly, the widow in Zarephath used her small jar of meal and oil to feed Elijah, and God miraculously sustained both her household and the prophet (1 Kings 17:14). These stories remind us that our everyday resources, however limited they may seem, are held in God’s hands. He can multiply what we offer when we trust Him with it.
Even in Ecclesiastes, the broken pitcher at the spring symbolizes the fragility of life (Ecclesiastes 12:6). This image invites us to live with gratitude and purpose, knowing that our lives are sustained by God’s grace. We do not need grand gestures to be used by Him; we only need willing hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- jar/ her4×
- the/ jars3×
- from/ jar/ your2×
- and/ jar/ her2×
- [the] jar of2×
- jar/ your1×
- in <the>/ jar1×
- and/ jars1×
- [the] jar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/כַּדֵּֽ/ךְ\׃2×
- כַּדָּ/הּ֙2×
- כַּ֤ד2×
- כַּדָּ֛/הּ1×
- כַּד֙1×
- כַדָּ֖/הּ1×
- כַדֵּ/ךְ֙1×
- וְ/כַדָּ֣/הּ1×
- וְ/כַדָּ֖/הּ1×
- וְ/כַדִּ֣ים1×
- הַ/כַּדִּים֒1×
- הַ/כַּדִּֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:15
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder.
Rebekah arrives with her pitcher on her shoulder, fulfilling the sign Abraham’s servant prayed for.
-
Judges 7:19
So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outermost part of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch, when they had but newly set the watch. Then they blew the trumpets and broke in pieces the pitchers that were in their hands.
Gideon’s men break the pitchers to reveal torches, using a common vessel as a tool for divine victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word kad mean?
Why is kad significant in biblical stories?
How is kad different from other Hebrew words for containers?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 9 verses
Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’ then she says,…
Genesis 24:15Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of…
Genesis 24:16The young lady was very beautiful to look at, a virgin. No man had known her. She went down to the spring, filled her…
Genesis 24:17The servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher.”
Genesis 24:18She said, “Drink, my lord.” She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him a drink.
Genesis 24:20She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
Genesis 24:43behold, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it happen, that the maiden who comes out to draw, to whom I will…
Genesis 24:45Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. She went down to…
Genesis 24:46She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.’ So…