from חָצָהlemma חָעָה ayin, corrected to חָצָה; the half or middle; half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts.
Transliteration:chêtsîy
Pronunciation:khay-tsee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חֵצִי (chêtsîy, `{{H2677}}`) is derived from the verb חָצָה (chātsāh, `{{H2673}}`), meaning "to divide," "to cut in two," or "to halve." Consequently, the core meaning of chêtsîy revolves around the concept of division into two equal parts, or the midpoint of something. Its semantic range extends to encompass:
1. **Half:** A literal division of an object, quantity, or group into two equal portions. This is the most direct and frequent usage.
2. **Middle/Midst:** Indicating a central point or position within a space, group, or period of time. This can refer to the very center or simply a point somewhere between two extremes.
3. **Part/Portion:** While often implying "half," it can sometimes denote a significant, but not necessarily equal, segment or share of a whole.
4. **Midnight:** A specific temporal application, referring to the middle of the night.
The versatility of chêtsîy allows it to describe both precise mathematical division and more general notions of centrality or apportionment, always rooted in the idea of separation or bisection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chêtsîy (`{{H2677}}`) appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Division (Half):**
* In the context of sacrifice, Moses commands the blood to be divided: "Half of the blood he put in basins, and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar" [[Exodus 24:6]]. Here, chêtsîy denotes a precise bisection of the sacrificial blood.
* Regarding the division of spoils of war, chêtsîy consistently refers to the equal distribution between those who went to battle and the rest of the congregation: "And the half belonging to the congregation was fifteen thousand five hundred sheep" [[Numbers 31:43]]. This highlights a principle of equitable sharing.
* The distribution of the Promised Land often involved the concept of "half" a tribe or "half" a kingdom, as seen with Manasseh: "and to the half-tribe of Manasseh was given their inheritance" [[Joshua 15:21]]. This underscores the structured and divinely ordained division of territory.
* **Temporal Midpoint (Midnight/Middle of the Day):**
* The most prominent temporal use is "midnight," often associated with significant divine action or judgment: "About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt" [[Exodus 11:4]]. This precise timing emphasizes God's sovereign control over events.
* In the account of Gideon's battle, the attack occurs "at the beginning of the middle watch" [[Judges 7:19]], which is midnight, a time of deep sleep and vulnerability for the enemy.
* Job speaks of sudden destruction occurring "at midnight" [[Job 34:20]], illustrating the unexpected and decisive nature of divine judgment.
* **Spatial Midpoint/Midst:**
* Moses' miraculous act at the Red Sea involves the waters being divided "into two parts" [[Exodus 14:16]], creating a path through the "midst" (chêtsîy) of the sea. This signifies a central, accessible passage.
* Balaam's journey is described as taking him "into the half of the land" [[Numbers 22:38]], indicating he had reached a central point or a significant portion of the territory.
* Jonathan's first taste of honey is described as being "in the midst of the land" [[1 Samuel 14:27]], denoting a central location within the area.
* **Figurative/Idiomatic Use:**
* In a lament, the psalmist cries, "O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days" [[Psalm 102:24]]. Here, chêtsîy refers to the midpoint or prime of one's life, expressing a desire for longevity.
* In apocalyptic prophecy, "a time, times, and half a time" [[Daniel 7:25]] uses chêtsîy to denote a specific, limited period, often understood as 3.5 units of time, signifying a divinely appointed duration of tribulation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for chêtsîy (`{{H2677}}`) is its root verb, חָצָה (chātsāh, `{{H2673}}`), which fundamentally means "to divide," "to cut in two," or "to halve." This etymological link is crucial, as chêtsîy consistently expresses the *result* or *state* of such division.
Conceptually, chêtsîy stands in contrast to words denoting wholeness or completeness, such as כֹּל (kōl, `{{H3605}}`, "all," "whole"). It is also related to terms signifying a "portion" or "share," like חֵלֶק (ḥēleq, `{{H2506}}`), though chêtsîy specifically implies a division, often into equal parts. Other words for "middle" or "midst" include קֶרֶב (qerev, `{{H7130}}`), which often refers to the inner part or inwardness, and תָּוֶךְ (tāwek, `{{H8432}}`), which similarly denotes the middle or midst, often with a sense of being surrounded. While these terms share semantic overlap, chêtsîy uniquely carries the nuance of being derived from an act of bisection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chêtsîy (`{{H2677}}`) is multifaceted, reflecting divine order, justice, and providence:
1. **Divine Order and Justice:** The frequent use of "half" in the division of spoils, land, or resources (e.g., [[Numbers 31:43]], [[Joshua 15:21]]) underscores God's commitment to equitable distribution and the establishment of a just society. It reflects an ordered creation where things are apportioned according to divine will.
2. **Sovereignty Over Time:** The repeated reference to "midnight" (chêtsîy ha-laylah) as the time for significant divine intervention (e.g., the tenth plague in [[Exodus 11:4]], the defeat of Midian in [[Judges 7:19]]) highlights God's absolute sovereignty over time. It is a moment chosen by God, often for judgment or deliverance, emphasizing that His plans unfold precisely when He ordains. The "half a time" in apocalyptic literature (e.g., [[Daniel 7:25]]) further reinforces the idea of a divinely appointed, limited duration for specific events.
3. **Human Limitation and Dependence:** The phrase "in the midst of my days" ([[Psalm 102:24]]) can subtly convey the fragility of human life and the brevity of existence from a human perspective, contrasting with the eternal nature of God. It is a reminder that human life, even at its "middle," is but a part of a larger, divinely orchestrated span.
4. **The Path of Salvation:** The division of the Red Sea "into two parts" ([[Exodus 14:16]]) provides a powerful visual metaphor for God creating a path where none existed, a way through the impossible. This act of division facilitates deliverance and demonstrates God's power to make a way for His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֵצִי (chêtsîy, `{{H2677}}`), derived from the verb חָצָה (chātsāh, `{{H2673}}`, "to divide"), primarily denotes "half" or "middle." Its semantic range extends to encompass literal divisions, temporal midpoints (especially "midnight"), spatial centers, and general portions. Biblically, chêtsîy is employed to describe the equitable distribution of land and spoils, the precise timing of divine judgment and deliverance, and the passage through divinely created paths. Theologically, it underscores God's meticulous order, His commitment to justice in apportionment, His sovereign control over time, and His power to create ways of salvation through division. Ultimately, chêtsîy speaks to a God who brings order out of chaos, apportions justly, and acts decisively at the appointed time.
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