### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qeṭeb**, represented by `{{H6986}}`, means **destroying** or **destruction**. Derived from an unused root meaning "to cut off," it conveys a sense of ruin. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, highlighting its specific and potent role in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural occurrences, `{{H6986}}` consistently describes a devastating force, often as an instrument of divine judgment. In Deuteronomy, it is presented as a "bitter `{{H4815}}` **destruction**" that will be sent by God, alongside being "devoured `{{H3898}}` with burning heat `{{H7565}}`" and attacked by beasts [[Deuteronomy 32:24]]. The Psalms portray it as a sudden danger, "the **destruction** that wasteth `{{H7736}}` at noonday `{{H6672}}`," from which the faithful are protected [[Psalms 91:6]]. Isaiah uses it to describe an overwhelming agent of the Lord `{{H136}}`, "a **destroying** `{{H6986}}` storm `{{H8178}}`" that will "cast down `{{H3240}}` to the earth `{{H776}}`" [[Isaiah 28:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the types of calamity associated with `qeṭeb`:
* `{{H1698}}` **deber** (a pestilence): This word is directly paired with `qeṭeb` in [[Psalms 91:6]], where protection is offered from both the "pestilence `{{H1698}}` that walketh `{{H1980}}` in darkness `{{H652}}`" and the "destruction `{{H6986}}` that wasteth at noonday `{{H6672}}`".
* `{{H8178}}` **saʻar** (a tempest; also a terror): In [[Isaiah 28:2]], `qeṭeb` is used to modify this word, forming the phrase "a destroying `{{H6986}}` storm `{{H8178}}`" to describe a mighty agent of judgment.
* `{{H7565}}` **resheph** (a live coal... fever): This term for "burning heat" is listed alongside `qeṭeb` in [[Deuteronomy 32:24]] as a component of God's judgment, where people are "devoured `{{H3898}}` with burning heat `{{H7565}}`, and with bitter `{{H4815}}` destruction `{{H6986}}`".
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6986}}` is centered on the power and judgment of God.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The word is used to describe consequences enacted by God. Deuteronomy details a "bitter `{{H4815}}` destruction `{{H6986}}`" that God will "send `{{H7971}}`" as punishment [[Deuteronomy 32:24]]. Similarly, Isaiah presents "a destroying `{{H6986}}` storm `{{H8178}}`" as a "mighty `{{H2389}}` and strong one `{{H533}}`" belonging to the Lord `{{H136}}` [[Isaiah 28:2]].
* **A Swift and Visible Peril:** The imagery associated with `qeṭeb` points to sudden and open catastrophe. It is described as the "destruction `{{H6986}}` that wasteth `{{H7736}}` at noonday `{{H6672}}`," contrasting with threats that operate in darkness [[Psalms 91:6]]. Its association with a "tempest `{{H2230}}` of hail `{{H1259}}`" further illustrates its nature as an overwhelming force [[Isaiah 28:2]].
* **A Threat Requiring Divine Protection:** While `qeṭeb` is an instrument of judgment, it is also depicted as a specific danger from which God shields the faithful. Its inclusion in the list of perils in Psalms 91 highlights that deliverance from such destruction is a mark of God's protection [[Psalms 91:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6986}}` **qeṭeb** is a potent, though rare, term for catastrophic destruction that cuts off and brings ruin. It is consistently used to depict divine judgment unleashed as a sudden, overwhelming force, like a "destroying `{{H6986}}` storm `{{H8178}}`" [[Isaiah 28:2]] or a plague that strikes at noonday [[Psalms 91:6]]. The word encapsulates both the severity of God's judgment against unfaithfulness [[Deuteronomy 32:24]] and the specific nature of the peril from which He is able to deliver His people.
TRV