כַּשָּׁף

# H3786: כַּשָּׁף (kashshaph) – "Sorcerer" The Hebrew term *kashshaph* refers to a sorcerer or practitioner of sorcery. Based on the lexical data provided, this word carries a specific designation for someone engaged in magical or supernatural practices, distinguishing them as a particular category of person within ancient Israelite society. The extremely limited occurrence of this term in the biblical text—appearing only once—suggests it held either specialized significance or was part of a more restricted vocabulary for discussing magical practitioners. This single attestation prevents a comprehensive analysis of how the word's meaning may have shifted across different contexts or periods of biblical composition, but it confirms the term was recognized as a distinct label within Hebrew religious and social discourse. The word's presence in the biblical lexicon reflects ancient Israel's concern with identifying and categorizing those engaged in practices considered outside normative religious life. Rather than being a common everyday term, *kashshaph* functioned as a specific designation, likely used when explicitly marking someone as practicing forbidden arts or operating outside legitimate religious authority.