כַּשְׂדָּ֑י (kas.day)
kas.day
Chaldean
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun kasday refers to a Chaldean, specifically denoting people from Chaldea or those belonging to its learned elite. In the Hebrew Bible, this term appears only once, in Ezra 2:10, where it identifies the family lineage of Pashhur during the post-exilic return.
Etymologically, the word is linked to the concept of "clod-breakers," reflecting an agricultural identity for the region around Babylonia. Beyond geography, the sources note that Chaldeans were also recognized as a class of priests, magicians, and astronomers, suggesting the term could carry connotations of specialized knowledge or status in certain contexts.
Its singular occurrence in Ezra highlights the diverse origins of those who rebuilt Jerusalem’s community. By listing this specific lineage alongside others, the text acknowledges the varied backgrounds within the restored population, preserving the identity of families from former Babylonian territories.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kasday points to the Chaldeans, a people group known in ancient times for their learning and influence. In Ezra 5:12, this term describes King Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed Jerusalem and took the people into exile. This historical event was a painful time of separation from God's temple and homeland.
Yet even in judgment, God’s plan remained active. The mention of Chaldeans reminds us that no human power stands outside God’s sovereignty. What seemed like total defeat became part of a larger story of restoration and return.
For believers today, this word offers comfort. It shows that God can work through difficult circumstances to bring about His purposes. Even when life feels chaotic or unjust, we can trust that He holds history in His hands and is working for our good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Chaldean/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּסְדָּאָ֑/ה1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:12
But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried the people away into Babylon.
This verse identifies Nebuchadnezzar as 'the Chaldean,' linking the term to the king who destroyed the temple and carried Israel into exile.