a primitive root; properly, to cut off, i.e. (figuratively) put to death; kill, slay.
Transliteration:qâṭal
Pronunciation:kaw-tal'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
`{{H6991}}` (qâṭal) is a primitive Hebrew root whose core meaning is "to cut off." This foundational physical action extends figuratively to "put to death," "kill," or "slay." The emphasis lies on the decisive and often violent termination of life or existence, implying a complete severance. While broadly synonymous with other verbs for killing, `{{H6991}}` carries a nuance of finality and often an abrupt, definitive end, distinguishing it from terms that might describe a process or a less absolute cessation. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing almost exclusively on the act of causing death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H6991}}` in the Hebrew Bible are relatively sparse compared to more common verbs for killing, appearing predominantly in later biblical books, particularly in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and extensively in the Book of Esther.
In the **Book of Esther**, `{{H6991}}` is frequently employed to describe the slaying of enemies of the Jews, often in the context of self-defense and a divinely orchestrated reversal of fortune:
* [[Esther 9:6]]: "And in Shushan the citadel they slew and destroyed five hundred men." Here, its pairing with "destroyed" (`{{H6}}` *'abad*) emphasizes utter annihilation.
* [[Esther 9:7]] through [[Esther 9:10]]: The listing of Haman's ten sons who were "slain" underscores the decisive nature of their demise.
* [[Esther 9:15]]: "For the Jews who were in Shushan gathered themselves together... and slew three hundred men." This usage highlights the active and effective elimination of threats.
In the **Book of Daniel** (primarily the Aramaic sections), `{{H6991}}` is used in contexts of capital punishment, divine judgment, or the definitive end of a reign:
* [[Daniel 2:14]]: "Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon." This refers to an order for execution.
* [[Daniel 5:30]]: "In that night Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans was slain." This describes the violent and abrupt end of a king's life and reign.
* [[Daniel 7:11]]: "I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame." Here, it powerfully symbolizes the ultimate and irreversible destruction of a symbolic oppressive power.
Across these contexts, `{{H6991}}` consistently denotes a decisive, often violent, and final termination, whether by human agency in conflict or through divine decree and judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H6991}}` (qâṭal) exists within a semantic field of words related to causing death, each with its own nuances:
* `{{H2026}}` (harag): This is the most common Hebrew verb for "to kill" or "to slay." It is a broader term encompassing various forms of killing, including accidental, intentional, and in battle. While often interchangeable with `{{H6991}}`, *harag* does not inherently carry the "cutting off" imagery of *qâṭal*, which can imply a more definitive or violent severance.
* `{{H7819}}` (shaḥaṭ): Primarily means "to slaughter," often used in the context of ritual sacrifice or the killing of animals for food. Its focus is on the method of killing rather than simply the act of causing death.
* `{{H4191}}` (mûṯ): "To die" (Qal) or "to put to death" (Hiphil). This is the most general term for death or causing death. `{{H6991}}` describes the active, often decisive, verb of causing death.
* `{{H6}}` ('abad): "To perish, destroy." As seen in [[Esther 9:6]], it is often used alongside `{{H6991}}` to emphasize complete annihilation or destruction.
* `{{H5221}}` (nâkâh): "To strike, smite, wound." While it can result in death, its primary emphasis is on the physical blow or attack.
The distinctive nuance of `{{H6991}}` lies in its root meaning of "cutting off," which lends itself to contexts of complete and often violent severance, making it particularly apt for descriptions of decisive judgment or total elimination.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6991}}` is deeply tied to its usage in contexts of judgment, justice, and the ultimate defeat of evil.
In the Book of Esther, the "slaying" of Haman's sons and the enemies of the Jews is not depicted as mere vengeance but as a divinely sanctioned act of self-preservation and the execution of justice against those who sought to annihilate God's people. It represents a dramatic reversal of fortune and the decisive triumph of good over evil, underscoring God's providential care and the consequences for those who oppose His purposes.
In Daniel, the application of `{{H6991}}` to the execution of the wise men and the death of King Belshazzar highlights the swift and inescapable nature of divine judgment upon human pride and defiance. Most profoundly, the "slaying" of the symbolic beast in [[Daniel 7:11]] serves as a powerful theological statement about the ultimate and irreversible destruction of all worldly powers that stand in opposition to God's eternal kingdom. This "cutting off" signifies an absolute termination, leaving no room for revival or reversal. Thus, while not frequently used, `{{H6991}}` carries significant weight in portraying moments of definitive divine intervention and the absolute consequences of rebellion against God's sovereign will.
### Summary
`{{H6991}}` (qâṭal) is a Hebrew primitive root meaning "to cut off," which extends to "kill" or "slay." Its usage in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in Esther and Daniel, emphasizes a decisive, often violent, and final termination. Unlike broader terms for killing, `{{H6991}}` conveys the nuance of a complete severance or annihilation. Theologically, its occurrences highlight moments of divine judgment, the execution of justice, and the ultimate, irreversible defeat of those who oppose God's plan or His people, underscoring the absolute nature of divine intervention and the consequences of defiance.
TRV