כָּלֶה (ka.leh)
ka.leh
longing
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective kâleh describes a state of failing or wasting away due to intense desire. It conveys a sense of physical and emotional depletion caused by longing rather than just hunger or thirst. The word suggests that the object of desire is so powerful it drains the person’s strength.
This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Deuteronomy 28:32. Here, it depicts the anguish of a man watching his property and loved ones being taken by enemies. His eyes fail from longing for what he cannot protect or reclaim. The imagery highlights how unfulfilled desire can lead to a profound sense of loss and exhaustion.
Unlike words for simple hunger, kâleh emphasizes the draining effect of yearning. It shows that deep longing is not just a mental state but one that affects the whole person. The single occurrence in Deuteronomy underscores the severity of the curse being described, where even basic hopes are stripped away.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kâleh describes a deep, consuming longing that drains a person’s strength. In Deuteronomy 28:32, it paints a picture of eyes failing as they watch loved ones being taken away. This isn't just simple hunger; it is the exhausting weight of desire without fulfillment. The text shows how unmet hopes can physically and emotionally wear us down.
When you face seasons where your heart aches for something beyond your reach, this word reminds you that such pain is real. It validates the human experience of loss and yearning. You are not alone in feeling this depletion. Scripture acknowledges that intense longing can leave us weak.
Yet, even in this exhaustion, there is hope. God sees your tears and hears your silent cries. He knows when your strength is fading under the weight of what you cannot control. Bring these heavy feelings to Him. He offers rest for the weary soul and comfort for the broken heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ longing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/כָל֥וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:32
Your sons and your daughters will be given to another people. Your eyes will look and fail with longing for them all day long. There will be no power in your hand.
This verse uses kâleh to describe eyes failing from longing, showing how intense desire for lost loved ones drains physical strength.