feminine passive participle of קוּץ in its original sense; a forelock (as shorn); lock.
Transliteration:qᵉvutstsâh
Pronunciation:kev-oots-tsaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun קְוֻצָּה (qᵉvutstsâh), Strong's `{{H6977}}`, is a feminine passive participle derived from the root קוּץ (qûṣ). While the more common meaning of קוּץ (`{{H6973}}`) is "to loathe" or "to dread," the definition for `{{H6977}}` explicitly points to an "original sense" of the root, implying a connection to "cutting" or "shortening." Thus, קְוֻצָּה denotes a "forelock" or a "lock of hair," specifically one that has been "shorn" or cut. This suggests a distinct segment of hair, perhaps shorter or more manageable than the rest, or one that has been deliberately separated. The passive nature of the participle emphasizes that the hair *has been* cut, rather than being naturally short.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קְוֻצָּה appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a pivotal and highly visual prophetic account: [[Ezekiel 8:3]].
> "He stretched out the form of a hand and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the idol of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy, was located."
In this singular occurrence, the prophet Ezekiel describes being physically transported by a divine manifestation. The "lock of my head" (בְּצִיצִת רֹאשִׁי) uses קְוֻצָּה (צִיצִת here is a textual variant or a related term, but the underlying concept of a distinct lock of hair is consistent). The imagery is striking: the "form of a hand" (representing divine power) grasps a specific, perhaps vulnerable, part of Ezekiel's person – a lock of his hair. This act signifies an immediate, direct, and overwhelming divine intervention. Ezekiel is not asked to walk; he is seized and lifted. The use of קְוֻצָּה here emphasizes the precise and decisive nature of God's action, highlighting the prophet's complete passivity and submission to the divine will. It is a forceful yet purposeful act, underscoring the supernatural means by which Ezekiel is transported into a visionary experience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root קוּץ (`{{H6973}}`) from which קְוֻצָּה (`{{H6977}}`) is derived, typically carries the meaning of "to loathe" or "to dread" in its active forms (e.g., [[Numbers 21:5]], [[Psalm 95:10]]). This semantic divergence suggests that `{{H6977}}` draws upon a more archaic or specialized sense of the root related to "cutting" or "shortening," a meaning less prevalent in the extant Hebrew lexicon but crucial for understanding "a shorn lock."
Other Hebrew words for "hair" include שֵׂעָר (`{{H8181}}`), a general term for hair on the head or body (e.g., [[Genesis 22:12]], [[Leviticus 13:4]]). While שֵׂעָר refers to hair broadly, קְוֻצָּה specifies a particular, distinct lock, implying a more precise and perhaps vulnerable point of contact. The word צִיצִת (`{{H6734}}`), often translated as "fringe" or "tassel," can also refer to a "lock of hair" (e.g., [[Ezekiel 8:3]] in some textual traditions or interpretations, as noted above). This highlights a semantic field of specific hair formations, distinct from the general mass of hair. The concept of being seized by the hair appears in other ancient Near Eastern literature and art, often symbolizing capture, defeat, or absolute control by a superior power.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of קְוֻצָּה in [[Ezekiel 8:3]] carries profound theological weight, primarily emphasizing divine agency and the prophet's absolute submission.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention:** The act of being taken by a "lock of hair" vividly portrays God's immediate, direct, and irresistible power. It demonstrates that God is not merely an observer but an active participant in the lives of His chosen servants, capable of transcending physical limitations to achieve His purposes. This divine "grasp" signifies absolute control over the prophet's person and destiny.
2. **Prophetic Vocation and Passivity:** Ezekiel's experience underscores the passive nature of his prophetic calling. He does not initiate the journey; he is *taken*. The "lock of hair" symbolizes his vulnerability and complete dependence on God. It is a visual metaphor for being utterly at the disposal of the divine will, highlighting that the prophetic message originates solely from God, not from human initiative or strength.
3. **Intimacy and Accessibility:** Despite the forceful nature of the act, being taken by a "lock of hair" can also imply a degree of divine intimacy and accessibility. God reaches down and touches a specific part of the prophet, drawing him into a profound spiritual experience. It is a personal, direct encounter that bridges the gap between the divine and the human.
4. **Symbol of Transformation:** The transportation by the Spirit, initiated by grasping the קְוֻצָּה, marks a transition for Ezekiel from his physical location to a visionary realm. The "lock of hair" becomes the point of contact for this spiritual transformation, enabling him to perceive divine realities and receive prophetic revelation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קְוֻצָּה (`{{H6977}}`) refers to a "forelock" or a "lock of hair," specifically one that has been "shorn" or cut. Its sole appearance in the Hebrew Bible in [[Ezekiel 8:3]] is highly significant. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is seized by a "lock of his head" by a divine hand and lifted by the Spirit, transported to Jerusalem in a vision. This powerful image underscores God's absolute sovereignty and direct intervention in the life of His prophet. It highlights Ezekiel's complete passivity and submission to the divine will, emphasizing that his prophetic ministry is entirely dependent on God's initiative and power. The קְוֻצָּה thus serves as a potent symbol of divine control, prophetic vulnerability, and the direct, transformative touch of God.
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