כַּו
𐤊𐤅
kav
H3551 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Aramaic term denoting an opening or aperture, specifically a window or small perforation in a wall, used for letting light or air into a building. The primary meaning centers on a constructed window or lattice-like opening.
Semantic Range
window, perforation (in a wall), lattice opening, architectural aperture
Root / Etymology
Root is cognate with לַהַג (lahag), 'to pierce, bore'. The word כַּו (kav) likely derives from this root meaning 'to pierce', by extension referring to an architectural feature—namely, a window or a pierced opening in a building wall. The direct Hebrew equivalent is חַלּוֹן (ḥallon, 'window'); כַּו (kav) is a loanword appearing in Aramaic Biblical sections, reflecting parallel Northwest Semitic development.
Historical & Contextual Notes
כַּו (kav) occurs in the Bible only in the Aramaic section of Daniel (Daniel 6:11 [English v. 10]), describing windows of a private chamber. Its semantic range overlaps with the more common Hebrew חַלּוֹן, but its Aramaic form and usage underline influence from Northwest Semitic dialects in exilic and post-exilic settings. English translations typically render it as 'window,' but the term can also denote small or narrow openings typical of ancient architectural design. Unlike the broader Hebrew term, כַּו may specifically denote windows that serve as latticework or ventilation rather than only for viewing. The word's Aramaic origin reflects the linguistic environment of Jewish communities in Babylonian and Persian periods, indicating continued adaptation of architectural vocabulary. Later translation traditions sometimes conflate כַּו with standard Hebrew window terminology, which may obscure its distinctive nuance in Daniel.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to לַהַג in the sense of piercing; a window (as a perforation); window.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כוו (k-v-v) — to pierce, perforate, make an opening
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3551-01 |
וְ/כַוִּ֨ין | vekhavin | AC/Ncfpa |
and windows | and pierced openings | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3551-01 |
Daniel 6:11 | וְ/כַוִּ֨ין | vekhavin | AC/Ncfpa |
and windows | and pierced openings |