a primitive root; properly, to cut off, i.e. (figuratively) detest; begrieved, loathe self.
Transliteration:qûwṭ
Pronunciation:koot
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The root `{{H6962}}` (qûwṭ) is a primitive root, suggesting its foundational nature in the Hebrew lexicon. Its primary, literal sense is "to cut off," which provides the bedrock for its derived, figurative meanings. From this physical act of severance, the word extends semantically to the emotional and psychological realms, signifying "to detest," "to be grieved," or "to loathe oneself." This progression from a physical action to an internal state of revulsion or sorrow is crucial. It implies a strong aversion, a feeling of disgust so profound that one wishes to "cut off" or separate oneself from the object of the feeling, or even from oneself in the case of self-loathing. The nuances include active detestation, passive grief, and reflexive self-abhorrence, all stemming from a core sense of finding something utterly repugnant or unbearable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H6962}}` (qûwṭ) appears in both the Qal and Niphal stems in the Hebrew Bible, primarily conveying an intense sense of loathing, detestation, or disgust.
* **Qal Stem (Active Detestation/Loathing):**
* In [[Exodus 1:12]], the Egyptians "loathed" (וַיָּקֻצוּ) the Israelites. This context highlights an intense, active aversion driven by fear of the Israelites' burgeoning numbers, leading to oppressive measures. It signifies a deep-seated revulsion that motivates hostile action.
* [[Numbers 21:5]] famously describes the Israelites "loathing" (וַתָּקֻץ) the "light bread" (מַן הַקְּלֹקֵל), referring to the manna. Here, the loathing stems from weariness and discontent with God's miraculous provision, revealing profound ingratitude and spiritual dissatisfaction, which in turn leads to murmuring against God and Moses. This loathing is directed at the very sustenance that preserved their lives, underscoring a spiritual sickness.
* [[Job 7:16]] features Job declaring, "I loathe my life" (קַצְתִּי). This is a powerful expression of self-loathing or utter weariness with existence in the face of overwhelming suffering. It conveys a desire for an end, a complete rejection of his current state of being.
* In [[Psalm 95:10]], God speaks of "loathing" (אָקוּט) the generation in the wilderness for forty years due to their constant rebellion and erring hearts. This divine loathing is not capricious but righteous indignation born of their persistent disobedience and lack of faith. It underscores the gravity of their sin and its impact on the divine-human relationship.
* **Niphal Stem (Passive/Reflexive Grief/Loathing):**
* [[Ezekiel 6:9]] uses the Niphal form (וְקֹטַטְתֶּם) in a context where those who survive God's judgment will "loathe themselves" for their abominations. This is a profound expression of remorse and self-abhorrence, a recognition of the grievousness of their sin and its consequences. It signifies a brokenness and a deep internal revulsion at their past actions.
* Similarly, [[Ezekiel 20:43]] and [[Ezekiel 36:31]] reiterate this theme of self-loathing (וּקֹטַטְתֶּם) among the exiles who return to the land and remember their wicked ways. This self-loathing is presented as a necessary step towards genuine repentance and spiritual renewal, a recognition of their own culpability and the justness of God's judgment.
Across these occurrences, `{{H6962}}` consistently denotes a strong negative emotional state, ranging from active detestation of an external object or group to profound internal grief and self-abhorrence. The contexts often involve situations of conflict, rebellion, suffering, or divine judgment, highlighting the severe consequences of sin and the path toward repentance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H6962}}` (qûwṭ) connects it to other Hebrew words expressing various forms of negative emotion, rejection, or severance.
* **Words related to "detest" or "abhor":**
* `{{H8581}}` (תָּעַב, *ta'ab*): "to abhor," "to detest," often used for ritual impurity or moral abominations. While `{{H6962}}` can express a more general disgust, `{{H8581}}` often carries a stronger theological weight of impurity or moral offensiveness to God.
* `{{H7604}}` (שָׂנֵא, *sane'*): "to hate." This is a broader term for enmity or strong dislike, whereas `{{H6962}}` implies a more visceral revulsion, a sense of being "fed up" or disgusted to the point of wanting to cut off.
* `{{H1602}}` (גָּעַל, *ga'al*): "to abhor," "to loathe," often used in contexts of rejecting food or something repulsive. This is very close in meaning to `{{H6962}}` in [[Numbers 21:5]], emphasizing a deep disgust.
* **Words related to "grief" or "distress":**
* `{{H3013}}` (יָגַן, *yagan*): "to grieve," "to be sorrowful." While `{{H6962}}` can imply grief, it is often a grief mixed with disgust or weariness, rather than simple sorrow.
* `{{H5999}}` (עָמַל, *'amal*): "to toil," "to labor," but also "to be troubled," "to be grieved." It emphasizes the burdensome aspect of suffering and distress.
* **Words related to "cutting off" or "severance":**
* `{{H3772}}` (כָּרַת, *karat*): "to cut off," "to make a covenant" (by cutting). This is the literal root meaning of `{{H6962}}`, but `{{H3772}}` is used much more broadly for physical cutting or covenant-making. `{{H6962}}` retains the sense of wanting to "cut off" from something due to intense aversion.
The unique contribution of `{{H6962}}` lies in its blend of profound aversion, weariness, and often, a self-reflexive disgust at one's own state or actions. It moves beyond simple hatred to a deep-seated revulsion that often signals a breaking point or a moment of intense self-reckoning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6962}}` (qûwṭ) is profound, touching upon themes of human rebellion, divine judgment, and the path to repentance.
* **Human Rebellion and Ingratitude:** The use of `{{H6962}}` to describe Israel's loathing of the manna ([[Numbers 21:5]]) is a stark illustration of human ingratitude and spiritual blindness. Despite miraculous provision, the people's hearts were filled with weariness and disgust, demonstrating a lack of faith and a deep-seated rebellion against God's benevolent care. This "loathing" is a symptom of a heart that rejects divine grace and takes God's blessings for granted.
* **Divine Righteous Indignation:** God's declaration in [[Psalm 95:10]] that He "loathed" that generation for forty years reveals a crucial aspect of divine character. God's "loathing" is not an emotional outburst but a righteous and sustained indignation against persistent sin and unbelief. It underscores the seriousness of human rebellion and the divine response to a hardened heart. It is the just consequence of a relationship strained by repeated disobedience, leading to a divine "cutting off" of favor.
* **Consequences of Sin and Self-Loathing:** The prophetic utterances in Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 6:9]], [[Ezekiel 20:43]], [[Ezekiel 36:31]]) where the people will "loathe themselves" for their abominations are deeply significant. This self-loathing is presented not as an end in itself, but as a necessary, painful step towards genuine repentance and restoration. It is the internal recognition of the heinousness of one's own sin in the light of God's holiness and judgment. This internal revulsion is a sign of a broken spirit, a prerequisite for God's work of renewal and cleansing. It signifies a profound shift from pride and self-justification to humility and a desire for purity.
* **The Experience of Suffering and Despair:** Job's cry, "I loathe my life" ([[Job 7:16]]), captures the depths of human despair and the existential weariness that can accompany profound suffering. It speaks to the human condition under duress, where life itself can become an object of aversion. While not theological in the sense of God's action, it reflects a human response to the apparent absence or inscrutability of God in suffering, revealing the raw anguish of the human soul.
The word `{{H6962}}` thus paints a vivid picture of the destructive power of sin – whether it manifests as active detestation of God's provision, the divine response to persistent rebellion, or the internal anguish of a soul confronted with its own depravity. Yet, in the context of Ezekiel, it also points to the potential for redemptive self-awareness, where self-loathing becomes a catalyst for turning back to God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H6962}}` (qûwṭ), meaning primarily "to cut off," extends figuratively to denote a profound sense of "detestation," "grief," or "self-loathing." Its semantic range captures intense aversion, weariness, and disgust. Biblically, it describes the Egyptians' revulsion towards Israel ([[Exodus 1:12]]), Israel's ingratitude towards God's manna ([[Numbers 21:5]]), Job's despairing self-loathing in suffering ([[Job 7:16]]), and God's righteous indignation towards a rebellious generation ([[Psalm 95:10]]). Crucially, in Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 6:9]], [[Ezekiel 20:43]], [[Ezekiel 36:31]]), `{{H6962}}` describes a divinely-induced self-loathing among the exiles, serving as a catalyst for repentance and spiritual renewal. Theologically, `{{H6962}}` highlights the gravity of human rebellion and ingratitude, the justness of divine judgment, and the painful yet redemptive process of confronting one's own sin, leading to a brokenness that precedes spiritual restoration.
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