כּוֹכָב (ko.khav)
ko.khav
star
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun koakhav refers simply to a star, describing these celestial bodies as round or shining objects in the sky. Its etymology likely connects to roots meaning "to roll" or "to blaze," suggesting an image of a glowing sphere moving across the heavens. This physical description grounds its primary use in passages that highlight God’s creative power and omniscience, such as when Psalm 147:4 notes that He determines the number of the stars.
Beyond astronomy, the word carries significant metaphorical weight, often symbolizing vast numbers or high status. In Genesis 15:5 and 22:17, God uses the multitude of stars to promise Abraham an innumerable offspring. It also represents leadership or royalty, most notably in Balaam’s prophecy about a ruler rising from Jacob (Numbers 24:17), a passage later interpreted by Christians as pointing to the Messiah.
The term appears frequently in poetic and prophetic literature, including Job and Deuteronomy, where it underscores human smallness against divine majesty. Translators consistently render it as "star," preserving both its literal astronomical sense and its figurative role in depicting progeny or princely authority within the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word koakhav simply means star, yet it carries a quiet weight in Scripture. It describes the physical lights God placed in the night sky, but also points to His personal care for creation. When Psalm 147:4 says He counts them and calls each by name, it reminds us that the Creator knows every detail of His work. This same attention extends to you.
God often used this image to promise blessing beyond human calculation. To Abraham, He pointed to the heavens to show that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. It is a picture of abundance that defies ordinary limits. The word also appears in prophecy, where a star rising from Jacob signals hope and leadership for those who wait on God.
Whether you see the night sky as a reminder of God’s power or His intimate knowledge, koakhav invites trust. You are part of a story written by a God who numbers the stars and knows your name. This connection offers stability when life feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ [the] stars of7×
- the/ stars5×
- [the] stars of4×
- and/ [the] stars3×
- [the] stars3×
- stars1×
- on the/ stars1×
- of the/ stars1×
- like the/ stars1×
- and/ the/ stars1×
- and/ stars1×
- a star1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/כוֹכְבֵ֥י4×
- כּוֹכָבִ֣ים2×
- כְּ/כוֹכְבֵ֣י2×
- וְ/כוֹכָבִ֖ים2×
- לַ/כּוֹכָבִ֑ים1×
- לְ/כֽוֹכְבֵי\־1×
- כוֹכְבֵ֤י1×
- כּוֹכָ֜ב1×
- כּוֹכַב֙1×
- כּוֹכְבֵ֪י1×
- כּֽוֹכָבִ֖ים1×
- כּֽוֹכָבִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
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.”
God uses the visual of innumerable stars to anchor His promise to Abram, linking the vastness of the sky with the future growth of his family.
-
Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and crush all the sons of Sheth.
Balaam’s prophecy identifies a coming ruler from Jacob as a star, a title later recognized in Christian tradition as pointing to the Messiah.
-
Psalms 147:4
He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.
This verse highlights God’s personal knowledge and care, stating that He not only creates stars but counts them and calls each by name.
-
Job 38:7
when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Here the term describes the morning stars singing together, illustrating a moment of cosmic joy at the foundation of the earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does koakhav mean in the Bible?
Why are stars important in biblical promises?
Does koakhav have any symbolic meaning?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 16 books)
Genesis 5 verses
God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made…
Genesis 15:5Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He…
Genesis 22:17that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your offspring greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the…
Genesis 26:4I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your…
Genesis 37:9He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and…