כֶּבֶשׁ
𐤊𐤁𐤔
kebesh
H3534 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A structure, often a platform, ramp, or step used for treading or stepping upon; specifically in temple contexts, a ramp or ascent leading up to an altar, or a footstool as an object upon which one places the feet. The semantic range includes physical objects intended for stepping, treading, or ascending.
Semantic Range
ramp, ascent, platform for treading upon, architectural ramp leading to altar, footstool, step structure
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root כבש (k-b-sh), meaning 'to subdue, bring into subjection, tread down.' The noun כֶּבֶשׁ (kebesh) is derived from this verbal root and designates something designed for 'treading' upon, such as a ramp or step.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, כֶּבֶשׁ appears primarily in priestly contexts (notably Exod 27:4; 38:14), designating the ramp or inclined structure leading up to the altar in the tabernacle or temple complexes. This differentiates כֶּבֶשׁ from מַעֲלֶה (ma'aleh), which can refer more generally to any ascent or staircase. In most English translations, כֶּבֶשׁ is rendered 'ramp' or 'footstool,' but the precise architectural context (a sloped structure leading up to the sacrificial altar) is best understood in light of Near Eastern temple architecture. The word is rare outside ritual or architectural description, and in later periods, its usage broadened to cover various forms of footstools or platforms intended for treading or mounting, but this is not the primary biblical usage. The Greek Septuagint often translates the temple כֶּבֶשׁ as either 'anabathmos' (stair, ascent) or leaves it untranslated, reflecting a gap between Israelite temple architecture and later Hellenistic models. English terms like 'footstool' do not adequately capture its ritual-architectural significance in priestly literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from כָּבַשׁ; a footstool (as trodden upon); footstool.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כבש (k-b-sh) — subdue, tread, bring under control
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3534-01 |
וְ/כֶ֨בֶשׁ | vekhevesh | HC/Ncmsa |
and a footstool | and tread-ramp | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3534-01 |
2 Chronicles 9:18 | וְ/כֶ֨בֶשׁ | vekhevesh | HC/Ncmsa |
and a footstool | and tread-ramp |