from the same as קֶטֶב; extermination; destruction.
Transliteration:qôṭeb
Pronunciation:ko'-teb
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קֹטֶב (qôṭeb, `{{H6987}}`) is derived from the same root as קֶטֶב (qeteb, `{{H6986}}`), both conveying a profound sense of "extermination" or "destruction." The semantic range of qôṭeb specifically points to a complete and decisive eradication, an ultimate end, or a severe, destructive force. It denotes the outcome of a process that leads to utter ruin or annihilation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קֹטֶב (qôṭeb, `{{H6987}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Hosea 13:14]]. The verse reads: "I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your destruction (קֹטֶב)? Compassion is hidden from my eyes."
In this sole occurrence, qôṭeb is employed in a powerful rhetorical question directed at Sheol, the realm of the dead. It is paralleled with "plagues" (דֶּבֶר, `{{H1698}}`) associated with Death. The context is a complex prophetic utterance from God, expressing both a promise of redemption from death and, immediately following, a declaration of withdrawn compassion due to Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. The use of qôṭeb here highlights the ultimate destructive power inherent in Sheol, which God asserts His ability to overcome. The divine challenge "O Sheol, where is your destruction?" anticipates God's triumph over the grave's finality.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **קֶטֶב (qeteb, `{{H6986}}`):** This is the direct root or cognate word, also meaning "destruction," "ruin," "plague," or "pestilence." Its occurrences, such as in [[Deuteronomy 32:24]] and [[Psalm 91:6]], often refer to divinely sent or permitted destructive forces. The close relationship between qôṭeb and qeteb underscores the nature of the word as a severe, often inescapable, form of destruction.
* **דֶּבֶר (dever, `{{H1698}}`):** Meaning "pestilence" or "plague," this word appears in direct parallelism with qôṭeb in [[Hosea 13:14]]. This parallelism reinforces the understanding of qôṭeb as a form of affliction leading to death, often associated with divine judgment.
* **שְׁאוֹל (sheol, `{{H7585}}`):** "Sheol," the underworld or realm of the dead. qôṭeb is explicitly linked to Sheol in [[Hosea 13:14]], emphasizing its role as the ultimate destination of physical destruction and decay for humanity.
* **מָוֶת (mavet, `{{H4194}}`):** "Death." This fundamental concept is also directly challenged alongside qôṭeb in [[Hosea 13:14]], signifying God's ultimate authority over life and death.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet profound use of קֹטֶב (qôṭeb) in [[Hosea 13:14]] carries immense theological weight.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Death:** The rhetorical question "O Sheol, where is your destruction?" is a powerful declaration of God's absolute dominion over the forces of death and the grave. Even the ultimate destroyers are subject to His will and power. This verse prefigures a time when death's destructive power will be nullified.
2. **Judgment and Redemption in Tension:** The context of Hosea 13 is one of divine judgment against unfaithful Israel, yet it is interspersed with promises of redemption. Qôṭeb represents the destructive consequence of sin, but God's challenge to Sheol simultaneously points to His power to overcome even the most dire outcomes. It highlights God's ability to bring both judgment and salvation.
3. **Prophetic Foreshadowing of Resurrection:** This verse is famously echoed by the Apostle Paul in [[1 Corinthians 15:55]] ("O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?"). Paul's citation confirms the prophetic nature of Hosea's declaration, understanding it as a prefigurement of Christ's resurrection. The "destruction" of Sheol, which God challenges in Hosea, is ultimately conquered through the triumph of Jesus over death, stripping the grave of its finality and sting.
4. **Hope Beyond Despair:** For a people facing the dire consequences of their disobedience, the divine challenge to qôṭeb offers a profound glimmer of hope. It assures that even the most formidable and destructive forces are ultimately subservient to God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קֹטֶב (qôṭeb, `{{H6987}}`) fundamentally signifies "extermination" or "destruction." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Hosea 13:14]] is highly significant, where it is used in a divine rhetorical challenge to the power of Sheol: "O Sheol, where is your destruction?" This usage, paralleled with "plagues" associated with Death, underscores the ultimate destructive capacity of the grave. Theologically, qôṭeb powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty over death, demonstrating His ability to both inflict severe judgment and, more profoundly, to overcome the finality of the grave. This prophetic declaration in Hosea finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's proclamation of Christ's victory over death, transforming a word of ultimate destruction into a foundational testament to divine redemption and the promise of resurrection.
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