כֵּהֶה (ke.heh)
ke.heh
faint
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word keheh describes a state of fading or dimming, often applied to physical sight or vitality. It conveys the idea of losing brightness, strength, or clarity, resulting in something that is dull, faint, or colorless. This term captures the gradual loss of intensity rather than a sudden break.
In Scripture, it appears in contexts where energy or perception wanes. For example, in Leviticus 26:16, it describes eyes failing due to sorrow and anxiety, illustrating how distress can drain one’s visual and emotional capacity. Similarly, Isaiah 59:10 uses the term to depict people groping for light like the blind, emphasizing a profound lack of guidance or hope.
The root of keheh suggests a process of weariness or exhaustion that leads to diminished function. It is not merely about physical tiredness but also reflects an inner depletion that affects how one sees and interacts with the world. This word invites reflection on the human experience of struggle and the need for renewal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word keheh describes a gentle fading, like light dimming at dusk or strength slowly waning after long labor. In Scripture, it appears when eyes grow heavy with age, as in I Samuel 3:2, or when hope feels distant, like Isaiah’s description of groping for light. It captures the quiet reality of human limitation without shame.
This fading is not a sign of failure but a shared part of our journey. God does not demand perfect brightness from us; He meets us in our dimness. In Isaiah 42:3, He promises not to break a bruised reed or quench a dimly burning wick. His care is gentle toward what is fragile.
When you feel worn out or unclear, remember that your value does not depend on your intensity. You are seen and held even when your vision blurs or your energy fades. This word invites us to rest in the One who sustains us through every season of weakening.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] dull3×
- dim2×
- faint1×
- dull1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כֵהָ֑ה2×
- כֵּהָ֑ה1×
- כֵּה֣וֹת1×
- כֵהָ֖ה1×
- כֵהָ֔ה1×
- כֵה֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 3:2
At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see),
This verse uses keheh to describe Eli’s physical decline, grounding the word in the real vulnerability of aging and loss of sight.
-
Isaiah 42:3
He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.
Here keheh characterizes a wick that still burns faintly, showing God’s tender care for those whose strength is nearly gone.
-
Leviticus 13:26
But if the priest examines it, and behold, there is no white hair in the bright spot, and it isn’t deeper than the skin, but has faded, then the priest shall isolate him seven days.
The priest examines a spot that has faded (keheh), illustrating how the word applies to subtle changes in appearance rather than dramatic symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does keheh mean in the Bible?
Where does keheh appear in Scripture?
How is keheh different from other words for weakness?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 3 books)
Leviticus 4 verses
But if the priest examines it, and behold, there are no white hairs in it, and it isn’t deeper than the skin, but is…
Leviticus 13:26But if the priest examines it, and behold, there is no white hair in the bright spot, and it isn’t deeper than the…
Leviticus 13:28If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn’t spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn,…
Leviticus 13:39then the priest shall examine them. Behold, if the bright spots on the skin of their body are a dull white, it is a…