כֹּה (koh)
koh
thus
H:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 400 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Adv
Word Overview
The Hebrew word koh functions as a versatile demonstrative adverb meaning "thus," "here," or "in this manner." Its core sense points to immediate proximity, whether in action, location, or time. In narrative contexts, it often signals how something is done, as when Jacob describes his encounter with Esau by saying he sent messengers ahead "thus" (Genesis 32:5). It can also indicate physical direction, such as Moses looking around "here and there" before hiding the Egyptian in the sand (Exodus 2:12).
A defining feature of koh is its role in introducing divine speech. The phrase "Thus says the Lord" appears frequently, particularly in Jeremiah and Isaiah, serving as a formal marker that what follows carries authoritative weight from God. This usage transforms the word from a simple pointer into a signal of prophetic declaration. It also extends to temporal references, appearing in expressions like "hitherto" to mark a point up to the present moment (Joshua 17:14).
The etymology suggests a construction meaning "like this," linking it to the pronoun for "he" or "it." This root gives koh its demonstrative power, allowing it to anchor abstract concepts in concrete reality. Translators render it variously as "so," "here," or "thus" depending on whether the context emphasizes manner, place, or time. Its prevalence in prophetic literature underscores its function as a bridge between the speaker's authority and the listener's understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word koh anchors us in the immediate reality of God's presence. It translates to "thus" or "here," pointing to a specific moment where divine authority meets human circumstance. When Scripture records "Thus says the Lord," it is not merely reporting speech but establishing a bridge between heaven and earth. This simple adverb carries the weight of trust, inviting you to listen closely to what God is saying right now.
In your daily life, this word reminds you that faith is grounded in concrete actions and clear promises. Whether you are facing a difficult decision or seeking direction, koh signals that God's word is not abstract theory but practical guidance for today. It encourages you to pay attention to the specific ways He leads, knowing that His instructions are reliable and purposeful.
This linguistic marker helps us recognize the authority behind biblical commands and promises. It invites a posture of attentive obedience, where we do not just hear words but respond to the One who speaks them. By understanding koh, you gain a deeper appreciation for how Scripture communicates God's will with clarity and precision, offering stability in uncertain times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 400 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- thus410×
- and/ thus18×
- by/ thus2×
- there1×
- and/ [is] thus1×
- [is] thus1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כֹּֽה\־125×
- כֹּ֚ה60×
- כֹּ֥ה37×
- כֹּ֤ה35×
- כֹּ֣ה\׀27×
- כֹּ֣ה19×
- כֹּ֖ה17×
- כֹּה\־16×
- כֹ֣ה\׀12×
- וְ/כֹ֣ה11×
- כֹ֨ה10×
- כֹה֙8×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 5:1
Afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said to Pharaoh, “This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’”
This verse establishes the prophetic formula 'Thus says Yahweh,' marking the words that follow as direct divine authority rather than human opinion.
-
Numbers 6:23
“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them,
Here koh introduces the specific manner of the priestly blessing, showing how the word structures ritual acts of grace for the community.
-
Genesis 15:5
Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He said to Abram, “So your offspring will be.”
The usage here connects God's promise to a visible sign, anchoring the abstract concept of offspring in the concrete reality of counting stars.
-
Exodus 20:22
Yahweh said to Moses, “This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
This occurrence highlights how koh frames divine instruction given from heaven, emphasizing the source and authority of the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does koh mean in the Bible?
Why is koh used in 'Thus says the Lord'?
How is koh different from other Hebrew words for 'this'?
Every Occurrence (400 verses across 24 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He…
Genesis 22:5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there. We will worship, and come…
Genesis 24:30When he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister,…
Genesis 31:8If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore speckled. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your…
Genesis 31:37Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my…
Genesis 45:9Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “God has made me lord of all Egypt.…
Genesis 50:17‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to…