קִיקָלוֹן (qi.qa.lon)
qi.qa.lon
disgrace
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qiqaalon carries the meaning of disgrace or shame. It appears only once in the Bible, in Habakkuk 2:16. In this context, it describes the humiliating fate awaiting those who exploit others through violence and drunkenness.
This single usage highlights the word’s weight as a term for public humiliation rather than private guilt. The prophet uses it to contrast the temporary power of the oppressor with their eventual loss of honor. Translators typically render it as "disgrace" or "shame," reflecting its focus on social reputation and divine judgment.
The rarity of qiqaalon makes its appearance in Habakkuk particularly striking. It serves as a sharp warning that actions taken in secret will eventually lead to public exposure and loss of dignity. The word underscores the biblical theme that justice ultimately restores honor to the oppressed by stripping it from the wicked.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qiqaalon appears only once in Scripture, carrying the heavy weight of public shame and humiliation. In Habakkuk, it describes the fate of those who exploit others through violence and drunkenness. This is not merely private guilt but a loss of social standing and dignity before God and community.
For believers, this rare term reminds us that justice ultimately belongs to the Lord. While oppressors may seem powerful now, their actions lead to disgrace. Conversely, those who suffer injustice can find hope in the fact that God sees their pain and will restore honor to the oppressed.
This word invites us to live with integrity, knowing that our true worth comes from God alone, not from human approval or power. It encourages trust in divine justice when earthly systems fail to protect the vulnerable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ disgrace1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/קִיקָל֖וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Habakkuk 2:16
You are filled with shame, and not glory. You will also drink and be exposed! The cup of Yahweh’s right hand will come around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.
This verse uniquely uses qiqaalon to describe how the cup of God's judgment will strip away the oppressor's glory, replacing it with public shame.