from קָבַץ and אֵל; God has gathered; Kabtseel, a place in Palestine; Kabzeel. Compare יְקַבְצְאֵל.
Transliteration:Qabtsᵉʼêl
Pronunciation:kab-tseh-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Qabtsᵉʼêl (`{{H6909}}`) is a compound word derived from the verb קָבַץ (qavats, `{{H6908}}`), meaning "to gather, collect, assemble," and the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`), meaning "God." Thus, its etymological meaning is "God has gathered" or "God gathers." While its root meaning points to a divine action of assemblage, in biblical usage, Qabtsᵉʼêl functions exclusively as a geographical designation, specifically a city in the southern territory of Judah. The name itself, however, carries the theological imprint of divine initiative and providence in the establishment or character of the place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Qabtsᵉʼêl appears in two primary contexts within the Hebrew Bible, both identifying it as a specific location:
1. **Geographical Listing:** In [[Joshua 15:21]], Qabtsᵉʼêl is enumerated among the southernmost cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. It is part of a cluster of cities "toward the border of Edom in the South," indicating its position on the periphery of Judah's tribal inheritance. This listing underscores its existence as a recognized settlement within the ancient Israelite landscape.
2. **Birthplace of a Notable Figure:** The city gains further significance as the hometown of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a prominent figure in David's administration and military. He is described as "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel" in [[2 Samuel 23:20]] and similarly in [[1 Chronicles 11:22]]. Benaiah was one of David's "mighty men" (the "Thirty"), renowned for his formidable feats, including striking down two lion-like men of Moab and a giant Egyptian. He later became commander of the army under King Solomon ([[1 Kings 2:35]]). The association of such a powerful and loyal figure with Qabtsᵉʼêl suggests that the city, despite its peripheral location, was a place from which strength and valor emerged, perhaps implying a community established and sustained by divine gathering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for Qabtsᵉʼêl (`{{H6909}}`) lies with its constituent parts:
* קָבַץ (qavats, `{{H6908}}`): This verb is fundamental, conveying the active sense of "gathering." It is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe God's gathering of His people (e.g., from exile, [[Deuteronomy 30:3]]; for judgment, [[Zephaniah 3:8]]), the gathering of nations, or the collection of resources. In the context of Qabtsᵉʼêl, it points to God as the agent of assemblage.
* אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`): This is the generic term for "God" in Semitic languages, frequently used in personal and place names to denote divine association, protection, or origin. Its presence in Qabtsᵉʼêl underscores the theological dimension of the name, attributing the "gathering" to the divine.
The Strong's entry also notes a comparison with יְקַבְצְאֵל (Yeqabtse'el), which would carry a similar meaning, perhaps "God will gather" or "He will gather God." While יְקַבְצְאֵל itself is not a distinct biblical proper noun in the same way, its mention reinforces the common linguistic pattern of combining the verb קָבַץ with אֵל to form theophoric names. The broader concept of divine "gathering" is a pervasive biblical theme, encompassing the formation of Israel as a people, their return from dispersion, and the eschatological ingathering of God's elect.
### Theological Significance
While Qabtsᵉʼêl (`{{H6909}}`) is primarily a geographical marker, its profound etymological meaning, "God has gathered," imbues it with significant theological resonance.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** The name directly attributes the act of "gathering" to God. This speaks to God's active involvement in the establishment and ordering of places and communities. It suggests that Qabtsᵉʼêl, like all creation, exists by divine purpose and design, a testament to God's sovereign hand in history and geography.
* **Identity and Purpose:** For the inhabitants of Qabtsᵉʼêl, the name would have served as a constant reminder of their foundational identity: they were a people or a community "gathered by God." This could imply divine protection, a divinely ordained settlement, or a place where God's people were assembled for a specific purpose.
* **Connection to Valiance:** The fact that Benaiah, a man of exceptional strength and loyalty, hailed from Kabzeel, subtly links his character and accomplishments to the divine act implied by the city's name. It suggests that God "gathers" not only places but also individuals for His purposes, equipping them for service and valor within His plan.
* **Microcosm of Israel's Story:** The name "God has gathered" can be seen as a microcosm of Israel's broader theological narrative. From the gathering of Abraham's descendants into a nation, to their gathering at Sinai, and their future ingathering from exile, the theme of God assembling His people is central to biblical theology. Qabtsᵉʼêl, though a specific location, echoes this grander divine work.
### Summary
Qabtsᵉʼêl (`{{H6909}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a city in the southern territory of Judah, etymologically meaning "God has gathered." This name, composed of קָבַץ (qavats, `{{H6908}}`, "to gather") and אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`, "God"), underscores a profound theological truth about divine initiative. Biblically, Qabtsᵉʼêl is listed among the cities of Judah in [[Joshua 15:21]] and is notably identified as the birthplace of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a renowned warrior and commander under Kings David and Solomon ([[2 Samuel 23:20]]; [[1 Chronicles 11:22]]). The name's theological significance lies in its declaration of God's sovereignty and providence in establishing places and raising up individuals. It serves as a reminder that even a seemingly peripheral location can bear witness to God's active hand in history, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's purposeful gathering of His people and resources for His divine plan.
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