### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châtsôwth**, represented by `{{H2676}}`, specifically means **the middle (of the night)** or **mid(-night)**. It is derived from the word חָצָה (châtsâh). Despite its precise meaning, it is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the entire Bible, marking it for moments of significant action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2676}}` marks a time of critical and often dramatic events. It is the hour chosen by God to execute the final plague upon Egypt, when the LORD declared, "About **midnight** will I go out into the midst of Egypt" [[Exodus 11:4]]. Similarly, it is portrayed as a time of sudden judgment and upheaval, when in a moment people are troubled at **midnight** and the mighty are taken away [[Job 34:20]]. In contrast to these moments of divine judgment, it is also presented as a time for profound personal devotion, as the psalmist commits, "At **midnight** I will rise to give thanks unto thee" [[Psalms 119:62]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context in which **châtsôwth** appears:
* `{{H3915}}` **layil** (night): This word provides the general timeframe, meaning **night** or figuratively, adversity. It is used alongside `{{H2676}}` in every occurrence. The **night** is also presented as a time for meditation on God's law ([[Joshua 1:8]], [[Psalms 1:2]]) and for crying out to God in prayer [[Lamentations 2:19]].
* `{{H6965}}` **qûwm** (to rise): Defined as **to rise** in various literal and figurative ways. This action is directly connected to midnight in [[Psalms 119:62]], where the psalmist will **rise** to give thanks. The word also carries the weight of establishment, as God's counsel is what will **stand** [[Proverbs 19:21]], and it can mean to **rise** against an enemy [[Isaiah 54:17]].
* `{{H3034}}` **yâdâh** (to give thanks, praise, confess): This term, meaning to revere with extended hands, or to **praise** or **confess**, describes the purpose of the midnight action in [[Psalms 119:62]]. It is used frequently to express praise to God ([[Psalms 9:1]], [[Isaiah 25:1]]) and also for the act of confessing sins to receive mercy [[Proverbs 28:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2676}}` is demonstrated through its specific, high-stakes applications.
* **A Time of Divine Judgment:** Midnight is established as a moment when God's judgment is carried out swiftly and decisively. This is seen in the final plague on Egypt [[Exodus 11:4]] and in the sudden removal of the mighty in Job's discourse [[Job 34:20]].
* **A Time of Devout Worship:** The term also sanctifies the deep of night as a period for intentional and focused worship. For the psalmist, it is not a time of sleep but an opportunity to **rise** and **give thanks** to God, showing a deep personal commitment [[Psalms 119:62]].
* **A Point of Climactic Action:** In all its uses, **midnight** is never passive. It is the chosen hour for a pivotal event, whether it is God going out to strike a nation, the wicked suddenly passing away, or a believer rising to praise.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H2676}}` **châtsôwth** is used sparingly in scripture, its meaning of **midnight** is reserved for moments of profound significance. It serves as a narrative anchor, marking the hour for either fearsome divine judgment or intimate, personal worship. The word illustrates how a specific point in time can be theologically charged, representing the peak of both God's powerful intervention in the world and humanity's response to Him.
TRV