a primitive root; properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation); (cast, gather out, throw) stone(-s), [idiom] surely.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâqal**, represented by `{{H5619}}`, is a primitive root primarily used to describe actions involving stones. It appears **22 times** across **20 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on its usage, it carries a dual meaning: the violent act of stoning, or lapidation, and its opposite, the clearing or gathering out of stones.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5619}}` is most frequently used to denote capital punishment. The Law specifies that certain transgressions, such as enticing others to idolatry, are to be punished by being **stoned** with stones until death [[Deuteronomy 13:10]]. This is also the prescribed penalty for an ox that gores a person to death [[Exodus 21:28]]. The term is also used to describe mob violence or the threat of it, as when the Israelites were ready to **stone** Moses [[Exodus 17:4]] or when the people spoke of **stoning** David [[1 Samuel 30:6]]. In a contrasting sense, the word describes the agricultural act of clearing a field, as when God **gathered out the stones** from his metaphorical vineyard [[Isaiah 5:2]] and in the command to **gather out the stones** to prepare a highway for the people [[Isaiah 62:10]]. In some cases, the word is repeated for emphasis, translated as "shall surely be **stoned**" [[Exodus 19:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of stoning and clearing:
* `{{H68}}` **ʼeben** (a stone): This is the object used in the action of `{{H5619}}`. The two words are frequently paired, as in the command to **stone** a person with **stones** [[Deuteronomy 17:5]].
* `{{H7275}}` **râgam** (to cast together (stones), i.e. to lapidate): This word is a close synonym for the punitive act of stoning. In the account of Achan, both verbs are used to describe the same event, showing their interchangeability [[Joshua 7:25]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill): This word often describes the intended result of the action of `{{H5619}}`. The command is to **stone** an offender so that they **die** [[1 Kings 21:10]].
* `{{H5549}}` **çâlal** (to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt): This word provides a functional contrast to `{{H5619}}`. While `{{H5619}}` can mean clearing stones away, `{{H5549}}` can mean building them up. Both are used in the command to prepare a way for God's people: "**cast up** the highway; **gather out** the stones" [[Isaiah 62:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5619}}` is significant and twofold.
* **Execution of Divine Justice:** Stoning is the method prescribed by the Law for purging grave sin from the community. It is the penalty for blasphemy [[1 Kings 21:13]] and certain sexual sins [[Deuteronomy 22:21]], serving to "put evil away from among you" [[Deuteronomy 22:24]].
* **Community Purity:** The act was often a communal responsibility, carried out by "all Israel" [[Joshua 7:25]] or the men of a city. This demonstrated the collective duty to uphold the covenant and maintain holiness before God.
* **Preparation for Redemption:** In its contrary meaning, "gathering out stones" serves as a powerful metaphor for God's redemptive work. It signifies the removal of obstacles and hindrances in preparation for fruitfulness [[Isaiah 5:2]] or the restoration of God's people [[Isaiah 62:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5619}}` is a dynamic word that conveys two opposing actions: destruction and preparation. It serves as a stark verb for the execution of legal and divine judgment against sin, while also functioning as a metaphor for the grace that clears a path for blessing and restoration. This single root illustrates both the severity of God’s law and the thoroughness of His work in making a way for His people.
TRV