Original Word: כִּילַי
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: kiylay
Pronunciation: kee-LAH-eem
Phonetic Spelling: (kee-lah'-ee)
Definition: niggardly
Meaning: The term כִּילַי is an adjective meaning "niggardly" or "miserly," describing someone who is unwilling to share or give generously.

Word Origin: Derived from the root כִּיל (kil), which conveys the idea of being miserly or stingy.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent that captures a similar concept of service and duty, though not directly related to stinginess, is found in Strong's Greek Number G5257 (ὑπηρέτης • hypēretēs), which means "servant" or "minister." While not a direct translation of niggardliness, it reflects the opposite attitude of service and giving, as opposed to withholding and selfishness.

Usage: The word כִּילַי is used in the context of describing a person who is tight-fisted or stingy, particularly in their dealings with others. It is often used to highlight a lack of generosity or a selfish disposition.

Context: The term כִּילַי appears in the Hebrew Bible to characterize individuals who are not generous with their resources. This word is used to describe a person who hoards their wealth and is reluctant to share with others, reflecting a heart condition that is contrary to the biblical ideal of generosity and hospitality. In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, being niggardly was seen as a negative trait, as it went against the communal and supportive nature expected within the Israelite community. The Bible often contrasts the niggardly with the righteous, who are depicted as open-handed and willing to share their blessings with those in need.

Word Origin
from nakal
Definition
a rascal
NASB Translation
rogue (2).

כִּילַי, כֵּלַי Isaiah 32:5,7 see נכל (Kö^{ii. 118}).

כִּילַי, כֵּלַי noun masculine knave (for נְכִילַי see Kö^{ii.1, 118}); — absolute כִּילַי Isaiah 32:5 (opposed to שׁוֺעַ, "" נָבָל); כֵּלַי Isaiah 32:7 (assonance with כֵּלָיו, from כְּלִי q. v.).

churl

Or kelay {kay-lah'-ee}; from kuwl in the sense of withholding; niggardly -- churl.

see HEBREW kuwl

וְכֵלַ֖י וּלְכִילַ֕י וכלי ולכילי ū·lə·ḵî·lay ulechiLai ūləḵîlay vecheLai wə·ḵê·lay wəḵêlayInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts