lemma חָעוֹת ayin, corrected to חָצוֹת; from חָצָהlemma חָעָה ayin, corrected to חָצָה; the middle (of the night); mid(-night).
Transliteration:châtsôwth
Pronunciation:khaw-tsoth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָצוֹת (châtsôwth), Strong's number `{{H2676}}`, primarily denotes "the middle of the night" or "midnight." Its semantic core is deeply rooted in its verbal stem, חָצָה (châtsâh, `{{H2673}}`), which means "to divide," "to halve," or "to cut in two." Thus, חָצוֹת literally signifies the point at which the night is divided into two equal halves, marking its absolute midpoint. This etymological connection emphasizes not merely a time designation, but a precise, central point within a larger temporal span. The term carries no inherent moral or emotional connotation but gains significant weight from its contextual usage in biblical narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חָצוֹת (châtsôwth) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant, consistently marking moments of divine action or profound human experience.
1. **Divine Judgment and Deliverance:**
* [[Exodus 11:4]]: Moses declares to Pharaoh, "About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt."
* [[Exodus 12:29]]: "At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock."
These two passages are the most prominent uses of חָצוֹת. Here, "midnight" is not a casual time but the divinely appointed moment for the climactic tenth plague. It signifies the precise, inescapable execution of God's judgment upon Egypt and, simultaneously, the miraculous deliverance of Israel. The exactness of the timing underscores God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It is a moment of stark separation between the condemned and the redeemed.
2. **Suddenness and Unexpectedness:**
* [[Job 34:20]]: "In a moment they die, at midnight the people are shaken and pass away, and the mighty are removed without a hand."
In Job's discourse, Elihu uses "midnight" to illustrate the sudden, unexpected, and often unnoticed demise of the wicked. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and the swift, unassisted nature of divine justice. The darkness of midnight heightens the imagery of an unforeseen and overwhelming end.
3. **Vulnerability and Significant Encounter:**
* [[Ruth 3:8]]: "At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet!"
This passage describes Boaz waking up to find Ruth at his feet on the threshing floor. Midnight here is a time of deep sleep and vulnerability, yet it also becomes the setting for a pivotal, intimate encounter that advances the redemptive narrative of Ruth and Boaz, leading to the lineage of David and ultimately Christ. It is a moment when a significant, life-altering event unfolds in the stillness of the night.
Across these contexts, חָצוֹת consistently marks a decisive, often sudden, and highly significant turning point, whether in divine judgment, human fate, or personal destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb חָצָה (châtsâh, `{{H2673}}`), "to divide," from which חָצוֹת (châtsôwth) is derived. This connection is crucial, as it imbues "midnight" with the sense of a definitive division or demarcation.
Other related concepts include:
* **Temporal Markers:** Other words denoting specific times of day or night, such as בֹּקֶר (bōqer, `{{H1242}}`, "morning"), עֶרֶב (ʿerev, `{{H6153}}`, "evening"), or לַיְלָה (laylāh, `{{H3915}}`, "night"). While not etymologically related, they belong to the same semantic domain of time.
* **Divine Timing:** The concept that God acts at precise and appointed moments, often unexpected by humanity.
* **Judgment and Deliverance:** Themes frequently associated with the "midnight" events, especially in Exodus.
* **Suddenness/Swiftness:** The idea of rapid, unannounced action, whether divine or human.
* **Liminality:** Midnight represents a transitional, in-between period, a threshold between one day and the next, often symbolizing a shift in circumstances or divine providence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָצוֹת (châtsôwth) extends beyond a mere temporal marker; it functions as a profound symbol of divine sovereignty and decisive action.
1. **Divine Punctuality and Precision:** The most striking theological implication is God's absolute control over time and events. The "midnight" of the Passover is not arbitrary but a meticulously chosen moment for the execution of His will. It underscores that God is not bound by human schedules or expectations, but acts with perfect timing to accomplish His purposes.
2. **The Intersection of Judgment and Deliverance:** The Passover narrative vividly portrays midnight as the precise moment when God's wrath against sin (in Egypt) and His redemptive love for His people (Israel) simultaneously converge. It is a moment of divine separation, where the righteous are spared and the wicked are judged, highlighting the dual nature of God's justice and mercy.
3. **Suddenness of Divine Intervention:** As seen in Job, midnight can symbolize the unexpected and overwhelming nature of divine intervention, whether in judgment or in the course of human life. It serves as a reminder of human fragility and God's unpredictable yet righteous dealings with humanity.
4. **Turning Points and New Beginnings:** In a broader sense, midnight, as the division point of the night, can represent a significant turning point. For Israel, the midnight of the Passover was the beginning of their exodus and nationhood. For Ruth, the midnight encounter with Boaz marked a critical step towards her redemption and integration into Israel. It signifies that even in darkness, God can initiate new phases of His plan.
5. **God's Presence in the Darkest Hours:** The fact that significant divine action occurs at midnight suggests that God is active and sovereign even in the deepest darkness, times of vulnerability, or moments of profound sleep and unawareness. His work is not confined to the light of day but permeates all aspects of time and existence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָצוֹת (châtsôwth, `{{H2676}}`) precisely denotes "midnight," derived from the root "to divide" (חָצָה, `{{H2673}}`). While literally marking the middle of the night, its biblical occurrences imbue it with profound theological weight. It consistently signifies a critical, divinely appointed moment, often characterized by suddenness and decisiveness. Most notably, in the Exodus narrative, midnight is the precise hour of God's climactic judgment upon Egypt and the miraculous deliverance of Israel, underscoring divine punctuality and the intersection of judgment and salvation. Elsewhere, it marks the unexpected end of the wicked ([[Job 34:20]]) or a pivotal personal encounter ([[Ruth 3:8]]). Theologically, חָצוֹת serves as a powerful symbol of God's absolute sovereignty over time, His precise execution of justice and mercy, and His ability to bring about significant turning points even in the deepest hours of darkness and human vulnerability. It is more than a mere time stamp; it is a marker of profound divine intervention in human history.
TRV