כִּלָּיוֹן (kil.la.von)
kil.la.von
failing
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun kilayon describes a state of wasting away or complete ruin. Its core sense captures the idea of something being consumed until nothing remains, whether that refers to physical decay or total destruction. In Scripture, it often paints a picture of life draining out of a person or place, leaving behind emptiness.
This word appears in only two verses, both carrying heavy weight. In Deuteronomy 32:24, it is listed among the disasters that will befall Israel, paired with famine and pestilence to show how suffering can exhaust the body. Isaiah 51:6 uses it to describe the heavens vanishing like smoke, emphasizing the temporary nature of creation compared to God’s enduring righteousness.
The term connects closely with the root meaning "to complete" or "finish," but in a negative sense. It is not a peaceful ending but a destructive one. Translators often render it as "destruction" or "failing," depending on whether the context focuses on physical decline or final annihilation. The word serves as a stark reminder of human fragility and the certainty of divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kilayon paints a vivid picture of something worn down until it is gone. It describes a state of wasting away, where strength drains out and nothing remains. This is not a gentle rest, but a complete exhaustion that leaves the body and spirit empty. In Deuteronomy 28:65, it appears alongside trembling and pining soul to show how deep suffering can deplete a person.
Yet this word also highlights the contrast between our fragile lives and God’s lasting power. Isaiah 51:6 uses it to describe the heavens vanishing like smoke, reminding us that all earthly things will eventually fade. While creation may fail, God’s righteousness endures forever. This truth offers comfort when we feel overwhelmed by the temporary nature of our struggles.
When life feels heavy and your strength is low, remember that God sees your weariness. He does not ask you to carry burdens beyond what you can bear. His faithfulness remains steady even when everything else seems to crumble. You are held by a love that does not fail or fade away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- annihilation1×
- and/ failing of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּלָּי֥וֹן1×
- וְ/כִלְי֥וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:65
Among these nations you will find no ease, and there will be no rest for the sole of your foot; but Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, failing of eyes, and pining of soul.
This verse uses kilayon to describe the physical and emotional exhaustion of eyes failing, illustrating how severe judgment can drain a person's vitality.