In the Bible, “kikar” (Hebrew: כִּכָּר) generally refers to a “cake” or “round loaf,” but it can also denote a “circle” or “section” of land. Its usage in various contexts often indicates a measurement of quantity, such as a certain weight or size, particularly in references to grain or bread.
Scripture
10 “They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.”
11 You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it.
12 And cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.
13 You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
14 And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them.
15 The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it.
16 And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you.
17 You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold.
18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat.
19 And make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends.
20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.
21 And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you.
22 There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.
Kikar: Biblical Meaning and Definition
The term “kikar” in the Bible captures a multifaceted meaning that extends beyond simple definitions of “cake” or “land section.” In the Scriptures, it often relates to notions of sustenance, provision, and community. For instance, in Exodus 16:16, “kikar” is used to describe the amount of manna collected by each Israelite—“This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating; an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.” Here, “kikar” signifies God’s provision for His people in the wilderness, reflecting a divine promise of sustenance and unity among the Israelites.
Moreover, the use of “kikar” as a measurement emphasizes the importance of sharing and communal living, where each person received an equal portion. This concept resonates throughout the Bible, where the sharing of bread symbolizes not only physical nourishment but also spiritual fellowship, as seen in the breaking of bread in Acts 2:42. Thus, “kikar” serves as a reminder of God’s care and the purpose of community—promoting the idea that gatherings around sustenance can reinforce social bonds and reflect divine grace. The term’s dual implications of material necessity and spiritual fulfillment underscore its significance within the biblical narrative and the broader theological implications of community and sustenance in God’s plan.
Further exploration of the term “kikar” unveils its association with the provision of resources and the interconnectedness of God’s people. In the context of ancient Israelite society, land allocation was a critical aspect of survival and identity. Kikar could be a reference to established portions of land for cultivation, which were essential for providing sustenance to families and tribes. The distribution and ownership of these kikar-sized plots would have played a vital role in communal resources and sustaining the agricultural economy, fostering a sense of belonging and security among the Israelites. As such, the significance of “kikar” extends beyond mere measurements; it encompasses themes of stewardship and responsibility towards shared resources.
In broader biblical literature, the meaning of “kikar” resonates with divine providence and human cooperation. Parallels can be drawn to the New Testament, where Jesus often used bread as a symbol of His body and the sustenance He offered humanity. This imagery strengthens the notion of kikar as a framework for understanding how individuals relate to one another through shared experiences of grace and nourishment. This connection is foundational in teaching communities about mutual support and the importance of ensuring that every member is cared for. Thus, “kikar” invites both reflection on God’s provision and a call to action for believers to embody a spirit of generosity, working together to fulfill God’s mission of love and sustenance for all people.
Symbol of Abundance and Provision
In biblical contexts, the term “Kikar” often refers to a circular area or a round piece of land, which can symbolize abundance and provision. This concept is significant in the biblical narrative, where land and resources are frequently associated with God’s blessings. The circular shape can represent completeness and wholeness, suggesting that God’s provision is not only sufficient but also encompasses all aspects of life.
Community and Fellowship
The term “Kikar” can also be interpreted as a space that fosters community and fellowship. In ancient times, areas designated for gathering were crucial for social interaction, trade, and communal worship. This aspect highlights the importance of relationships and shared experiences among believers, emphasizing that faith is often practiced within a community setting.
Spiritual Journey and Transformation
Additionally, “Kikar” can symbolize the journey of faith and transformation. The circular nature of the term can represent the cyclical nature of spiritual growth, where believers experience various seasons of life, learning, and renewal. This interpretation encourages individuals to view their spiritual paths as ongoing processes, where each turn brings new insights and opportunities for deeper understanding and connection with the divine.
How to Grow in Faith and Love as a Christian
Growing in faith and love as a Christian is a beautiful journey that requires intentionality and openness to God’s guidance. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to shape your thoughts and actions; consider setting aside time each day for prayer and reflection, inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you, as fellowship is vital for spiritual growth. Acts of service and kindness towards others not only reflect Christ’s love but also deepen your own faith as you experience the joy of giving. Remember, growth is often a gradual process, so be patient with yourself and trust that God is at work in your heart, transforming you into a vessel of His love. Embrace each moment as an opportunity to learn and grow, and you’ll find that your faith and love will flourish in ways you never imagined.
Bible References to Kikar Meaning and Definition:
Exodus 37:1-9: 1 He made the ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half was its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.
2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold around it.
3 He cast four rings of gold for its four feet, two rings on its one side and two rings on its other side.
4 He made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold.
5 And he put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark.
6 He made the mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half was its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth.
7 And he made two cherubim of gold. He made them of hammered work on the two ends of the mercy seat,
8 He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.
9 The cherubim spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat were the faces of the cherubim.
1 Kings 6:19-28: 19 The inner sanctuary he prepared in the innermost part of the house, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high, and he overlaid it with pure gold. He also overlaid an altar of cedar.
21 So Solomon overlaid the house on the inside with pure gold.
22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished. And the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.
23 In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olivewood, each ten cubits high.
24 And five cubits was the length of the wings of the cherubim.
25 The doors for the most holy place were made of olive wood; the lintel and the doorposts were five-sided.
26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was that of the other cherub.
27 He put the cherubim in the innermost part of the house. And the wings of the cherubim were spread out so that a wing of one touched the one wall, and a wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; their other wings touched each other in the middle of the house.
28 And he overlaid the cherubim with gold.
1 Kings 8:6-11: 6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim.
7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles.
8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day.
9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord,
11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 3:10-13: 10 And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished.
11 The wings of the cherubim together extended twenty cubits: one wing of the one, of five cubits, touched the wall of the house, and its other wing, of five cubits, touched the wing of the other cherub.
12 The two doors were of olive wood, and he carved on them carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.
13 The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, facing the main hall.
2 Chronicles 5:7-10: 7 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim.
8 And the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering above the ark and its poles.
9 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day.
10 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
Hebrews 9:1-5: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness.
2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.
3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place,
4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.