dual from קָבַץ; a double heap; Kibtsajim, a place in Palestine; Kibzaim.
Transliteration:Qibtsayim
Pronunciation:kib-tsah'-yim
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קִבְצַיִם (Qibtsayim), Strong's `{{H6911}}`, is a proper noun derived from the root קָבַץ (qavats), which means "to gather," "to collect," or "to assemble" (`{{H6908}}`). The dual ending "-ayim" signifies a "double" or "pair." Therefore, the literal meaning of Qibtsayim is "double heap" or "two gatherings." This etymology suggests a place characterized by an accumulation or collection, perhaps referring to two distinct mounds, or a site where people or resources were repeatedly gathered. As a geographical designation, it identifies a specific location within ancient Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Qibtsayim appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 21:22]]: "And out of the tribe of Ephraim, Gezer with its suburbs, and Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth-horon with its suburbs; four cities."
This verse is part of the detailed account of the allocation of cities to the Levites, as commanded by the Lord. Qibtsayim is listed as one of the four cities given to the Kohathite clan of Levites from the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. Its inclusion alongside well-known cities like Gezer and Beth-horon indicates its established presence and significance within the central highlands of Canaan. As a Levitical city, Qibtsayim served as a dwelling place for the priests and Levites, who were responsible for teaching the Law, administering justice, and overseeing religious practices among the tribes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root קָבַץ (`{{H6908}}`), meaning "to gather." This root is fundamental in biblical Hebrew, frequently used to describe the gathering of people (e.g., for battle, worship, or judgment), the collection of resources, or God's act of gathering His scattered people. The dual suffix "-ayim" is a common grammatical feature in Hebrew, used for natural pairs (e.g., יָדַיִם - hands, רַגְלַיִם - feet) or for geographical features that appear in pairs (e.g., מַחֲנַיִם - Mahanaim, "two camps"). The concept of "Levitical cities" is also crucial. These were 48 designated cities scattered throughout the tribal territories of Israel, providing the Levites with places to live and serve the entire nation, rather than being confined to a single tribal inheritance.
### Theological Significance
While Qibtsayim itself does not carry a direct theological message beyond its identity as a geographical location, its designation as a Levitical city imbues it with profound theological significance. The distribution of Levitical cities, including Qibtsayim, throughout Israel underscores God's meticulous provision for the spiritual well-being of His people. By dwelling among the tribes, the Levites could fulfill their divine mandate to teach God's Law, mediate disputes, and maintain the purity of worship, ensuring that the covenant relationship remained vibrant across the land. The name "double heap" or "two gatherings" could subtly allude to the multifaceted nature of a Levitical center—a place where people gathered for instruction and worship, and where spiritual knowledge and priestly service were "heaped up" for the benefit of the community. It represents a point of divine order and spiritual accessibility within the tribal landscape.
### Summary
קִבְצַיִם (Qibtsayim), Strong's `{{H6911}}`, meaning "double heap" or "two gatherings," is a proper noun for a city in ancient Israel. Its sole biblical mention in [[Joshua 21:22]] identifies it as one of the four Levitical cities allotted to the Kohathites from the tribe of Ephraim. This designation highlights its role as a crucial center for the spiritual life of Israel, where the Levites resided to teach God's Law and administer justice. The name itself, derived from קָבַץ (`{{H6908}}`) "to gather," subtly reflects the nature of such a place as a site of collection, whether of people for instruction or of spiritual resources for the nation.
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