Original Word: כֶּשֶׂב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: keseb
Pronunciation: keh'-seb
Phonetic Spelling: (keh'-seb)
KJV: lamb
NASB: sheep, lamb, lambs
Word Origin: [apparently by transposition for H3532 (כֶּבֶשׂ - male lambs)]

1. a young sheep

lamb

Apparently by transposition for kebes; a young sheep -- lamb.

see HEBREW kebes

Word Origin
by transp. for kebes
Definition
a lamb
NASB Translation
lamb (3), lambs (3), sheep (6), sheep* (1).

כֶּ֫שֶׂב noun [masculine] lamb (transposed from preceding) — ׳כ absolute Leviticus 3:7 5t.; plural כְּשָׂבִים Genesis 30:32 6t.; — lamb, as property Genesis 30:32,33,35,40 (J); for sacrifice Leviticus 1:10; Leviticus 3:7; Leviticus 4:35; Leviticus 22:19; Numbers 18:17, compare Leviticus 22:27; for food Leviticus 7:23, compare Leviticus 17:3 (all P); Deuteronomy 14:4.

Meaning and Identity

3775 kéṣeb denotes a male lamb or young ram. Scripture consistently presents it as the prime, vigorous animal suitable for both breeding and sacrifice, subtly distinguishing it from broader terms for sheep or generic lambs.

Pastoral and Economic Context

Jacob’s dealings with Laban highlight the lamb’s material value: “He removed that day the streaked and spotted male goats and all the speckled and spotted female goats… and every dark-colored lamb” (Genesis 30:35). Four occurrences of kéṣeb in Genesis 30 show how a man’s prosperity could hinge on these animals and how the LORD could multiply them at will.

Central Role in the Levitical Sacrificial System

1. Burnt Offering “ ‘If one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock… he must present a male without blemish.’ ” (Leviticus 1:10).
2. Peace Offering “If his offering is a lamb, he shall present it before the LORD.” (Leviticus 3:7).
3. Sin Offering “The priest shall make atonement for him… and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 4:35).

An unblemished male lamb symbolizes total devotion (burnt), restored fellowship (peace), and substitutionary atonement (sin). Its blood and fat are handled with precision, underscoring the seriousness of approaching a holy God.

Purity, Blemishlessness, and Divine Ownership

Leviticus 22:19 binds every vow or freewill offering to the “male without blemish” standard. Numbers 18:17 treats each firstborn male lamb as already consecrated to the LORD, reinforcing the principle that the best and the first belong to Him.

Legal and Dietary References

Leviticus 7:23 prohibits eating the fat of the lamb, while Leviticus 17:3 guards against unsanctioned slaughter. Deuteronomy 14:4 lists the lamb among clean animals for Israel’s table, blending worship and daily sustenance under covenant obedience.

Narrative Echoes and Typology

Jacob’s spotted kéṣebim illustrate divine sovereignty in blessing; the spotless Levitical kéṣeb anticipates the flawless Messiah. Isaiah 53’s silent lamb, John 1:29’s Lamb of God, and 1 Peter 1:19’s “lamb without blemish or spot” converge on Jesus Christ, whose male, unblemished humanity fulfills every shadow cast by kéṣeb.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Worship: Offer God the best, not the expendable.
• Gospel: Use the lamb sacrifices to explain sin’s cost and Christ’s sufficiency.
• Stewardship: Jacob’s husbandry models diligence in vocation and ministry.
• Holiness: Dietary and ritual laws remind believers that everyday choices reflect covenant loyalty.

Summary

Through thirteen appearances—from Jacob’s flock to Levitical ordinances—kéṣeb weaves themes of provision, holiness, and substitution. The male lamb without blemish ultimately directs worshipers to “the Lamb who was slain” yet lives forever, securing eternal fellowship between God and His redeemed.

בַּכְּשָׂבִ֑ים בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔ים בַּכְּשָׂבִ֖ים בכשבים הַכְּשָׂבִ֛ים הַכֶּשֶׂב֮ הכשב הכשבים וְהַכְּשָׂבִים֮ וְכֶ֛שֶׂב והכשבים וכשב כְשָׂבִ֖ים כֶ֛שֶׂב כֶ֤שֶׂב כֶּ֜שֶׂב כֶּ֥שֶׂב כשב כשבים bak·kə·śā·ḇîm bakkəśāḇîm bakkesaVim chesaVim Chesev hak·kə·śā·ḇîm hak·ke·śeḇ hakkəśāḇîm hakkesaVim hakkeśeḇ hakkeSev ḵə·śā·ḇîm ke·śeḇ ḵe·śeḇ ḵəśāḇîm keśeḇ ḵeśeḇ Kesev veChesev vehakkesaVim wə·hak·kə·śā·ḇîm wə·ḵe·śeḇ wəhakkəśāḇîm wəḵeśeḇInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts