כֹּחַ (ko.ach)
ko.ach
reptile; strength
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 111 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun koach carries two distinct meanings that appear in different contexts: physical strength and a specific type of reptile. In most biblical passages, it denotes power or might, whether belonging to humans, angels, animals, or God himself. It describes the capacity to act, such as the strength of soil producing wealth or the might of divine beings.
Less commonly, koach refers to a small creeping animal, likely a lizard or chameleon, listed among unclean creatures in Leviticus 11:30. This zoological usage is rare compared to its frequent appearance in poetic and prophetic texts where it emphasizes raw power. The word appears prominently in Job, Daniel, and Isaiah, often highlighting the limits of human strength against divine authority.
Translators typically render koach as "strength," "power," or "might" depending on context. When referring to the animal, it is translated as a creeping thing or lizard. The dual meaning reflects how ancient Hebrew vocabulary could encompass both abstract force and concrete biological categories within a single lexical entry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word koach reminds us that true strength is not merely physical muscle or personal achievement, but a gift from God. In passages like Deuteronomy 8:18, we are reminded that it is He who gives the power to get wealth and success. This truth helps us stay humble when things go well and grounded when we feel weak.
Even in our hardest moments, this word points to a deeper reality. Samson’s story shows how human strength can fail, yet God’s purposes remain firm. When we acknowledge that our power comes from Him, we find peace in knowing we do not have to carry every burden alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 111 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strength22×
- power10×
- strength/ my7×
- strength/ his7×
- by/ power/ his5×
- by/ strength/ your4×
- strength/ your3×
- strength/ its3×
- [the] strength of3×
- [the] power of3×
- [is] strength3×
- with/ power2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כֹּ֣חַ7×
- כֹּ֔חַ6×
- כֹּ֖חַ5×
- כֹּֽחַ\׃4×
- כֹּחִ֑/י3×
- כֹּח֑/וֹ3×
- כֹּ֑חַ3×
- כֹ֑חַ3×
- בְּ/כֹחֲ/ךָ֣3×
- כֹּחֽ/וֹ\׃2×
- כֹּח֔/וֹ2×
- כֹּ֭חַ2×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as it is today.
This verse explicitly attributes the source of human ability and wealth to God, grounding all success in divine grace rather than self-reliance.
-
Judges 16:17
He told her all his heart and said to her, “No razor has ever come on my head; for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will go from me and I will become weak, and be like any other man.”
Samson’s confession reveals that his strength was tied to his consecration, showing the fragile link between spiritual fidelity and physical power.
-
I Samuel 2:9
He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked will be put to silence in darkness; for no man will prevail by strength.
This poetic line emphasizes that ultimate victory comes from God’s protection, not human might, offering comfort to those who feel vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does koach mean in the Bible?
How is koach different from other words for power?
Why is koach mentioned in Leviticus 11?
Every Occurrence (111 verses across 27 books)
Genesis 3 verses
From now on, when you till the ground, it won’t yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the…
Genesis 31:6You know that I have served your father with all of my strength.
Genesis 49:3“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.