כׇּרְסֵא (kor.se)
kor.se
throne
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun korse means a throne or royal chair. It appears in only two verses, both found in the book of Daniel, where it refers to the seat of earthly kings like Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. As an Aramaic form of the Hebrew kis’eh, it carries the same weight of royal authority but reflects the linguistic shift toward Aramaic in the later chapters of the prophetic text.
Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence significant. In Daniel 4:30 and 5:7, the word underscores the temporary nature of human power. The kings sit on these thrones, yet the narrative quickly shifts to show that true sovereignty belongs elsewhere. This contrast highlights the biblical theme that earthly rule is provisional.
Translators consistently render korse as "throne," capturing its concrete sense of a physical seat of office. The word does not carry abstract or metaphorical extensions in these contexts; it points directly to the visible symbol of monarchical power, which stands in tension with divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for throne in Daniel highlights a striking contrast between human ambition and divine sovereignty. When earthly kings sit on their seats of power, they often feel secure in their authority. Yet the biblical narrative reminds us that such positions are temporary. Human rule is provisional, subject to change and ultimately under God’s watchful eye.
This perspective offers comfort when we face uncertainty or injustice. It assures us that no earthly power is beyond reach. True stability does not come from human institutions but from the One who reigns forever. We can rest in the knowledge that justice will prevail, even when it seems delayed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- thrones1×
- throne/ his1×
- [the] throne of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּרְסֵ֣א1×
- כָּרְסְיֵ/הּ֙1×
- כָרְסָוָן֙1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:20
But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.
This verse shows how pride leads to the loss of earthly authority, illustrating the temporary nature of human power.
-
Daniel 7:9
“I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was Ancient of Days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
Here the throne shifts from a symbol of human rule to a vision of divine judgment, emphasizing God’s eternal sovereignty.