### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâṭar**, represented by `{{H7000}}`, is a primitive root that means **to inclose** or **join**. This term is extremely rare, appearing only **1 time** in the Bible, within a single verse. Its singular usage provides a highly specific architectural detail.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7000}}` is in Ezekiel's vision of a new temple and its courts. The verse describes a precise architectural feature, stating, "In the four corners of the court there were courts **joined** of forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four corners were of one measure" [[Ezekiel 46:22]]. Here, **qâṭar** is used to describe how smaller, unroofed courts were physically connected or enclosed within the four corners of the larger main court, emphasizing a specific and unified design.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify the meaning of `{{H7000}}`:
* `{{H2691}}` **châtsêr** (court, tower, village): This is the object being described. The definition of **châtsêr** as "a yard (as inclosed by a fence)" aligns with the root meaning of **qâṭar** ("to inclose"). These are the very "courts" that were **joined** in Ezekiel's vision [[Ezekiel 46:22]].
* `{{H4740}}` **maqtsôwaʻ** (corner, turning): This word specifies the location of the joined courts, defining them as being situated in the "corners" or angles of the larger court structure [[Ezekiel 46:22]].
* `{{H259}}` **'echâd** (one, united): This word reinforces the outcome of the joining, as the four corner courts "were of **one** measure" [[Ezekiel 46:22]]. Its definition, "properly, united," provides a conceptual link to the idea of joining things together into a single, cohesive design.
* `{{H7106}}` **qâtsaʻ** (cause to scrape, corner): This word, also translated as **corners** in [[Ezekiel 46:22]], is a primitive root associated with segregating an angle, further detailing the specific architectural nature of the space being described.
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the theological significance of `{{H7000}}` is derived from its specific context in Ezekiel's temple vision.
* **Divine Order and Unity:** The use of **qâṭar** to describe the "joined" courts, which are of "one measure" [[Ezekiel 46:22]], highlights the theme of divine precision, symmetry, and perfect order in God's design.
* **Enclosed Sacred Space:** The root meaning "to inclose" contributes to the overall concept of the temple court as a holy and separated space, distinct from the profane. The word describes how even the smaller areas within the court are carefully constructed and integrated.
* **Architectural Integrity:** In the detailed blueprint of the visionary court, this word provides a specific detail about how different components are connected. It emphasizes that every part of the divine plan fits together seamlessly.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7000}}` is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely illuminated by its single appearance in scripture. Used in [[Ezekiel 46:22]], **qâṭar** describes the way courts were "joined" together in the corners of a visionary structure. Though limited in use, the word contributes to the overarching themes of divine precision, architectural unity, and the creation of a sacred, enclosed space in God's holy design.
TRV