star
ko.khav denotes heavenly bodies, especially in scenes of light, innumerable abundance, and symbolic or visionary imagery.
The term most often names the heavenly bodies in descriptions of their creation, light, height, darkness, and place in heaven. It also supplies a comparison for an uncountable multitude and occurs in visionary or poetic scenes where heavenly bodies bow, fight, shine, or mark an exalted position.
Senses in use
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Heavenly bodies in the sky · dominant
Plural forms occur in descriptions of the visible heavens: in Genesis 1:16 the APB renders the making of the greater and lesser lights “and the stars,” while Jeremiah 31:35 places the moon and these bodies as lights by night. Other clauses describe their light or darkness, as in Isaiah 13:10 and Ecclesiastes 12:2, and Job 22:12 calls attention to their height.
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Measure of an abundant multitude · common
Construct plural forms are used in comparisons of multiplication and number. In Genesis 22:17 the APB renders the promised offspring as multiplied “as the stars of heaven,” and Deuteronomy 1:10 compares Israel's multitude with the same heavenly multitude; Deuteronomy 28:62 reverses the comparison by speaking of being left few.
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Symbolic or visionary heavenly imagery · occasional
The noun appears in scenes that assign actions or symbolic force to heavenly bodies. In Genesis 37:9 the APB renders eleven of them bowing in a dream, while Judges 5:20 renders them fighting from heaven; Numbers 24:17 uses a singular form in the announcement that “A star has come forth from Jacob.” Daniel 12:3 compares those who justify many to them in enduring brightness.
In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the supplied verses, the APB usually presents the term as “stars,” including “stars of heaven” in multiplication comparisons and descriptions of heavenly light. In a few poetic or visionary clauses it renders the surrounding image more freely, such as a singular “A star” in Numbers 24:17.