probably from קוּץ in the original sense of cutting off; curtailment; Koa, a region of Babylon; Koa.
Transliteration:Qôwaʻ
Pronunciation:ko'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6970 (קוֹעַ, Qôwaʻ) is primarily understood as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical region or people. Its base definition suggests a derivation from קוּץ (qûṣ) in an original sense of "cutting off" or "curtailment." This etymological link implies a potential underlying meaning related to something being cut off, limited, or perhaps a distinct, "cut-off" area. However, in its biblical usage, H6970 functions exclusively as the name "Koa," identifying a region associated with Babylon. Therefore, while the root meaning points to "curtailment," the semantic range in the biblical text is restricted to a proper noun serving as a place or tribal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6970 (Koa) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel.
* [[Ezekiel 23:23]]: "the Babylonians, and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, and Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them: all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great lords and renowned, all of them riding upon horses."
In this verse, Koa is listed as one of several peoples or regions that constitute the formidable military might of the Babylonian and Assyrian empires. The broader context of Ezekiel chapter 23 is a prophetic allegory in which Jerusalem (Oholibah) and Samaria (Oholah) are condemned for their spiritual adultery and alliances with foreign nations. The nations listed, including Koa, are depicted as the instruments of God's judgment against unfaithful Israel. The inclusion of Koa alongside Pekod (`{{H6488}}`) and Shoa (`{{H7770}}`) solidifies its identity as a distinct entity within the Mesopotamian sphere, contributing to the overwhelming force that would bring about divine retribution.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological connection suggested by the base definition is to קוּץ (qûṣ), which, in its more common biblical usage (`{{H6972}}`), means "to loathe" or "to abhor." However, the definition for H6970 specifies an "original sense of cutting off," suggesting a distinct or archaic meaning for the root. While the precise linguistic relationship is complex, the definition itself posits this connection to "curtailment."
Conceptually, Koa is related to other proper nouns designating peoples or regions involved in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, particularly those associated with the Babylonian and Assyrian empires. Pekod (`{{H6488}}`) and Shoa (`{{H7770}}`), mentioned alongside Koa in [[Ezekiel 23:23]], are key examples of such related terms, all functioning to identify the diverse components of the invading forces. The broader theme of divine judgment and the use of foreign nations as instruments of God's will are also significant conceptual connections.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Koa does not possess an inherent theological meaning. Its significance is derived entirely from its contextual role within Ezekiel's prophetic message. The mention of Koa contributes to the overall theological theme of God's sovereign control over all nations, even those seemingly outside His direct covenant.
Koa represents one of the many components of the powerful military forces that God would raise up and employ to execute His righteous judgment upon Judah for its idolatry and spiritual infidelity. Its inclusion underscores the vastness and overwhelming nature of the impending judgment, signifying that no aspect of the world's power was beyond God's command. This highlights the principle that God uses both righteous and unrighteous nations to fulfill His divine purposes, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human history and the consequences of covenant disobedience. The specificity of naming regions like Koa lends a concrete and terrifying reality to the prophetic warnings, emphasizing the inevitability and comprehensiveness of the divine discipline.
### Summary
H6970 (קוֹעַ, Qôwaʻ) is a Hebrew proper noun, transliterated as Koa. While its etymological root is linked to a sense of "cutting off" or "curtailment," its sole biblical appearance is as a geographical or tribal designation. Koa is mentioned only once in [[Ezekiel 23:23]], where it is listed alongside Pekod and Shoa as a region or people associated with the formidable forces of the Babylonians and Chaldeans. In this prophetic context, Koa serves as a concrete example of the diverse foreign nations God would utilize as instruments of His divine judgment against unfaithful Judah. Its inclusion underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the inescapable reality of His disciplinary action against His covenant people when they stray from His ways.
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