כְּסִיל (ke.sil)
ke.sil
Chesil
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kəsîl, meaning "foolishness," is used in the Old Testament as a place name for a town located in the southern region of Judah. Situated approximately fifteen miles southwest of Beersheba, this settlement appears in the biblical record primarily within the context of territorial boundaries.
Its sole occurrence is found in Joshua 15:30, where it is listed among the cities assigned to the tribe of Judah during the division of the Promised Land. The name itself carries an ironic weight, as a location named "Foolishness" serves as a permanent marker of divine provision and inheritance for God's people.
Scholars often suggest that this town may be identical to Bethul (H1329), another southern settlement mentioned in similar lists. This identification highlights the complex geography of ancient Judah, where names sometimes preserved historical or descriptive elements long after their original context faded from common memory.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kəsîl appears in Scripture as a place name, specifically referring to a town assigned to the tribe of Judah. Its meaning, "foolishness," might seem strange for a settlement, yet it serves as a reminder that God’s provision is not limited by human wisdom or naming conventions.
In Joshua 15:30, Chesil is listed alongside other cities as part of the inheritance given to Judah. This inclusion shows that every piece of land, regardless of its name, holds significance in God’s plan for His people. It invites us to trust in His guidance even when things appear unclear or counterintuitive.
For your faith, this word encourages you to see beyond surface appearances. Just as Chesil was a meaningful part of Judah’s inheritance, so too can seemingly ordinary or challenging moments become markers of God’s care and provision in your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Kesil1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/כְסִ֖יל1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:30
Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah,
This verse lists Chesil among the cities assigned to Judah, highlighting its role as part of the tribe's inheritance.