Hebrew · Strong's H3563
כּוֹס
(kohs)
noun, feminine
Predominantly, this noun refers to a drinking vessel, though it can also denote a type of bird, likely an owl.
The Hebrew noun _kohs_ primarily signifies a "cup" or "goblet," a container for drinking. Its usage spans literal contexts, such as the elaborate vessels in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 7:26) or a personal drinking cup (2 Samuel 12:3), to highly figurative and symbolic expressions. The semantic range of _kohs_ extends beyond a mere object to represent destiny, fortune, or experience, whether positive or negative. The imagery of a cup is potent, often portraying that which is allotted to an individual or nation by divine decree. Thus, drinking from a particular cup symbolizes undergoing a specific fate or experiencing a particular judgment or blessing.
Figurative uses often carry significant theological weight, particularly when the cup is associated with the Lord. For example, Psalm 23:5 speaks of a cup that "runneth over," symbolizing abundant blessing and provision from God. Conversely, the "cup of wrath" or "cup of astonishment" (Psalm 75:8; Ezekiel 23:33) graphically depicts divine judgment and suffering poured out upon the wicked or rebellious nations. This metaphorical extension allows _kohs_ to become a powerful symbol for both God's gracious providence and his righteous indignation. The contents of the cup—be it wine, mixture, or dregs—further specify the nature of the experience being conveyed.
Less frequently, _kohs_ also refers to a specific type of unclean bird, probably an owl, as indicated in passages like Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:16. This distinct usage is unrelated to the primary meaning of "cup" and is often understood to refer to a creature known for its nocturnal habits and solitary nature. The connection between the two meanings is likely due to homonymy rather than a shared semantic root, though some lexicons playfully suggest the bird's "cup-like" eyes as a possible, albeit tenuous, link. In the context of dietary laws, the owl is listed among birds considered detestable, underscoring its separation from what is permissible and pure. The vast majority of its occurrences, however, pertain to the receptacle.
Common English renderings
- cup
- owl
- goblet
Key verses
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over."
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"For in the hand of Jehovah there is a cup, and the wine foameth; It is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the same: Surely the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall drain them, and drink them."
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"Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou shalt drink of thy sister’s cup, which is deep and large; thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much."
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"but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own morsel, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter."
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"and Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand."
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Related words