כּוֹכָב
Kochav
Star
Kochav (כּוֹכָב) is a Hebrew word meaning “star,” pronounced “ko-KHAV.” Derived from the root כ-ו-כ-ב, kochav appears 37 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H3556).
| Hebrew | כּוֹכָב |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Kochav |
| Pronunciation | ko-KHAV |
| Meaning | Star |
| Root Letters | כ-ו-כ-ב |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 37× |
| Key Verse | Numbers 24:17 |
| Strong's Number | H3556 |
| Category | Nature & Creation |
On a clear night in the ancient Near East, God brought Abraham outside and said, 'Look toward the heavens, and number the kochavim (כּוֹכָבִים) — stars — if you are able to number them... So shall your offspring be' (Genesis 15:5). That moment of stargazing became the foundation of Israel's faith. But the most explosive mention of kochav comes from an unlikely source: the pagan prophet Balaam, who prophesied, 'A kochav shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel' (Numbers 24:17). This Star Prophecy became one of the most important messianic texts in ancient Judaism. It fueled the Magi's journey to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:2), inspired the Bar Kochba revolt (AD 132, 'Son of the Star'), and remains central to messianic expectation. Jesus identifies Himself as 'the bright Morning Star' in Revelation 22:16, the ultimate fulfillment of Balaam's ancient prophecy. Every kochav in the night sky is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham and His promise of a coming King.
Key Bible Verse: Numbers 24:17
“A star (kochav) shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”
What Is the Root of Kochav in Hebrew?
Kochav is an ancient Semitic word for star. Some scholars connect it to a root meaning 'to burn' or 'to be round.' The plural 'kochavim' appears in God's promise to Abraham and in the creation narrative as objects God 'made' (Genesis 1:16), asserting His authority over what other cultures worshipped as deities.
What Does Kochav Mean in the Bible?
Kochav appears approximately 37 times in the Hebrew Bible. It features in God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5), the creation account (Genesis 1:16), Balaam's messianic prophecy (Numbers 24:17), and wisdom literature (Psalm 147:4 — God 'counts the number of the stars and calls them each by name').
How Is Kochav Used in Modern Hebrew?
The Star of David (Magen David) is the most recognized Jewish symbol worldwide, appearing on Israel's flag. While its use as a Jewish symbol is relatively recent (medieval period), its association with the kochav of Numbers 24:17 is deeply embedded in Jewish consciousness.
How to Use Kochav in Prayer & Worship
When you look at the stars, remember God's promise to Abraham and His faithfulness through every generation. Pray that the 'bright Morning Star' — Jesus — would shine in the darkness of your life and the world around you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kochav
How do you say “Star” in Hebrew?
“Star” in Hebrew is Kochav (כּוֹכָב), pronounced “ko-KHAV.” Kochav is an ancient Semitic word for star. Some scholars connect it to a root meaning 'to burn' or 'to be round.' The plural 'kochavim' appears in God's promise to Abraham and in the creation narrative as objects God 'made' (Genesis 1:16), asserting His authority over what other cultures worshipped as deities.
What does Kochav mean in the Bible?
Kochav (כּוֹכָב) means “Star” in Biblical Hebrew. Kochav appears approximately 37 times in the Hebrew Bible. It features in God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5), the creation account (Genesis 1:16), Balaam's messianic prophecy (Numbers 24:17), and wisdom literature (Psalm 147:4 — God 'counts the number of the stars and calls them each by name').
How do you pronounce Kochav?
Kochav is pronounced “ko-KHAV.” The word comes from the Hebrew root כ-ו-כ-ב.
What is the Star Prophecy in Numbers 24:17?
Balaam, a pagan prophet hired to curse Israel, instead prophesied, 'A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.' This was understood as a prediction of a future king — the Messiah. It influenced the Magi's search for the newborn king (Matthew 2), was claimed by Bar Kochba in his revolt, and is applied to Jesus as 'the bright Morning Star' (Revelation 22:16).
Does God really know every star by name?
Psalm 147:4 declares, 'He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.' With an estimated two trillion galaxies in the observable universe, each containing hundreds of billions of stars, this claim is staggering. It reveals that the God who knows every star personally also knows you personally — you are not lost in the vastness of creation.
What was the Star of Bethlehem?
The 'star' (kochav) the Magi followed (Matthew 2:2) has been debated for centuries. Theories include a planetary conjunction, a supernova, a comet, or a supernatural phenomenon. What is clear from the Hebrew context is that the Magi recognized it as fulfilling Numbers 24:17 — 'a star out of Jacob' — and came to worship the newborn King of Israel.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H3556: Kochav
- Bible Gateway — Numbers 24:17 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for כ-ו-כ-ב
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