### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâṭaph**, represented by `{{H6998}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **strip off, crop off, cut down, or pluck**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage primarily relates to the act of removing a part from a larger plant, whether it be an ear of grain, a wild herb, or a twig from a tree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6998}}` appears in both literal and allegorical contexts. It is used in the Law to describe a permitted action: an individual may **pluck** ears of corn by hand when passing through a neighbor's field [[Deuteronomy 23:25]]. It also depicts a state of desperate survival, as seen in Job, where afflicted men **cut up** mallows for food [[Job 30:4]]. In a prophetic allegory in Ezekiel, an eagle **cropped off** the top of a cedar's young twigs and carried it to a city of merchants, symbolizing an act of judgment [[Ezekiel 17:4]]. This same act is later reclaimed by God, who promises He will personally **crop off** a tender twig to plant on a high mountain [[Ezekiel 17:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and consequence of the action of plucking or cropping:
* `{{H3947}}` **lâqach** (to take): This word appears with `qâṭaph` to describe a sequence of divine action. In God's promise of restoration, He first declares "I will also **take**" from the cedar before stating "I will **crop off**" a tender twig [[Ezekiel 17:22]].
* `{{H5130}}` **nûwph** (to move, shake, wave): This term is used to provide a legal contrast to `qâṭaph`. While one may **pluck** grain by hand, they are forbidden to **move** a sickle in their neighbor's corn, distinguishing a small, personal taking from a full harvest [[Deuteronomy 23:25]].
* `{{H8362}}` **shâthal** (to plant): The purpose for the action of `qâṭaph` is often revealed through this word. God **crops off** a twig with the express intention to **plant** it, turning an act of removal into one of future growth and establishment [[Ezekiel 17:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6998}}` is seen in its progression from a simple agricultural act to a symbol of divine sovereignty.
* **Provision within Boundaries:** The word is used to establish a principle of sustenance governed by law. The permission to **pluck** grain demonstrates God's provision for immediate needs while respecting the boundaries of property [[Deuteronomy 23:25]].
* **Judgment and Hardship:** `qâṭaph` illustrates judgment when the top of a great cedar is **cropped off** and carried away [[Ezekiel 17:4]]. It also depicts the depths of human suffering, where men resort to cutting up mallows to survive [[Job 30:4]].
* **Divine Restoration:** The most powerful use of the word comes when God takes the same action of "cropping off" and applies it for a redemptive purpose. He Himself will **crop off** a tender twig to plant it, signifying His sovereign power to reverse judgment and establish His own chosen one in a place of prominence [[Ezekiel 17:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6998}}` is a focused term for plucking or cropping off. While its literal use defines agricultural actions and legal boundaries, its metaphorical application is profound. The word demonstrates how the same physical act can represent human hardship or judgment when performed by man [[Ezekiel 17:4]], but becomes an act of sovereign restoration and exaltation when performed by God [[Ezekiel 17:22]], highlighting a key biblical theme of divine redemption.
TRV