lemma חָעָה ayin, corrected to חָצָה; a primitive root (compare זֵד)); to cut or split in two; to halve; divide, [idiom] live out half, reach to the midst, participle
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châtsâh**, represented by `{{H2673}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **cut or split in two, to halve, or to divide**. It appears 16 times across 14 unique verses. The term is used for the literal division of people and things, but also carries metaphorical and idiomatic weight, describing the fragmentation of kingdoms and the shortening of a lifespan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2673}}` is applied in various practical and prophetic scenarios. It is used when Jacob, in fear, **divided** his people and flocks into two groups to ensure some would survive an attack [[Genesis 32:7]]. The concept is central to Old Testament law, as seen in the command to **divide** the value of an ox that was killed [[Exodus 21:35]] and to **divide** the spoils of war between the soldiers and the congregation [[Numbers 31:27]]. Miraculously, the waters of the Jordan were **divided** for both Elijah and Elisha ([[2 Kings 2:8]], 2:14). Prophetically, a kingdom is foretold to be **divided** [[Daniel 11:4]], while in a vision of restoration, God promises his people will no longer be **divided** into two kingdoms [[Ezekiel 37:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of division:
* `{{H4276}}` **machătsîyth** (a halving or the middle; half): As a noun derived from `{{H2673}}`, this word denotes the result of division. It is used to specify the **half** of the spoils of war belonging to the children of Israel after Moses **divided** them from the soldiers [[Numbers 31:42]].
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to burst... break): This term is often paired with division to signify a complete collapse. A future kingdom is prophesied to first be **broken** and then **divided** toward the four winds [[Daniel 11:4]].
* `{{H8147}}` **shᵉnayim** (two): Since `{{H2673}}` means to split in two, this word for **two** is a frequent companion. Jacob **divided** his people into **two** bands [[Genesis 32:7]], and God's people would no longer be **two** nations [[Ezekiel 37:22]].
* `{{H5428}}` **nâthash** (to tear away... pluck up): This verb describes a potential consequence of division, especially in judgment. After the kingdom is divided, it is then **plucked up** for others [[Daniel 11:4]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H2673}}` is evident in its application to themes of judgment, preservation, and order.
* **Division for Preservation:** Jacob’s act of dividing his camp demonstrates a strategic division intended to preserve a remnant from destruction, turning a simple split into an act of foresight [[Genesis 32:7]].
* **Judgment and Unity:** The division of a kingdom is a sign of divine judgment and collapse [[Daniel 11:4]]. In contrast, God’s promise of reunification, where His people will no longer be **divided**, represents ultimate restoration and peace [[Ezekiel 37:22]].
* **Principle of Justice:** The word is used in legal contexts to establish fairness, such as when **dividing** prey after a battle [[Numbers 31:27]] or assets in a civil dispute [[Exodus 21:35]], embedding the concept of halving into divine law.
* **A Life Cut Short:** In an idiomatic sense, the psalmist declares that deceitful men "shall not **live out half** their days," using the idea of division to powerfully illustrate a life cut short by God's judgment [[Psalms 55:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2673}}` is more than a simple verb of action. It encapsulates a fundamental concept that applies to the physical, legal, and prophetic realms. From the practical division of people and resources to the miraculous parting of waters and the fragmentation of empires, **châtsâh** illustrates how the act of splitting something in two can signify judgment, preservation, justice, and the sovereign control of God over the affairs of humanity.
TRV