כָּסַס
𐤊𐤎𐤎
kâçaç
H3699 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To calculate, reckon, or make an assessment, especially of number or value. The verb denotes the act of quantitatively evaluating or making an estimate, particularly by counting. In context, it often involves deliberate mental calculation or the act of making a reckoning concerning amounts, values, or people.
Semantic Range
to estimate, to evaluate, to make a reckoning, to assess, to calculate, to consider the amount or value
Root / Etymology
Root כּסס, generally considered to mean 'to estimate, count, reckon'. The root conveys the notion of enumeration, calculation, or assessment. Formed as a verb commonly in the piel (intensive) stem due to its occurrence in biblical texts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb כָּסַס is rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only a handful of times. Its use is attested in contexts where some form of quantitative assessment or evaluation is required, particularly in passages concerning value or worth. Compared to more common Hebrew terms such as מָנָה (manah, 'to count, number'), כָּסַס often has a more evaluative nuance, carrying the sense of mental reckoning or estimation rather than simple tallying. The word does not acquire any distinctive religious or ritual meaning in biblical use. In later periods and non-biblical Hebrew, related forms are sometimes used for estimating or computing values, especially sums or quantities. Standard English translations may render it as 'to estimate', 'to reckon', or 'to count', but these can obscure its evaluative quality. In post-exilic and later Judean usage, related forms tended to be replaced by other roots more current for 'counting' or 'valuing'.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to estimate; make count.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כסס (k-s-s) — to estimate, to count, to reckon
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4371 | מֶכֶס | the assessed levy |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3699-01 |
תָּכֹ֖סּוּ | takhosu | HVqi2mp |
you shall count | you will reckon | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3699-01 |
Exodus 12:4 | תָּכֹ֖סּוּ | takhosu | HVqi2mp |
you shall count | you will reckon |