### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7020 (קִיצוֹן, *qîytsôwn*) derives from the root קוּץ (*qûts*), which in this context relates to the concept of an "end" or "limit," rather than its other meaning of "to loathe" or "to dread." As an adjective, qîytsôwn carries the meaning of "terminal," "outermost," "uttermost," or "extreme end." It denotes the furthest point, the absolute boundary, or the very extremity of something, whether physical or conceptual. It signifies the point beyond which something does not extend, marking a definitive limit or conclusion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H7020 appears in a limited number of biblical passages, primarily in architectural and geographical contexts, underscoring precision and extent:
* **Architectural Precision (Tabernacle & Temple):**
* In [[Exodus 26:4]] and [[Exodus 36:11]], qîytsôwn describes the "uttermost edge" of the loops on the curtains of the Tabernacle. This detail highlights the meticulous and precise nature of God's instructions for the construction of His dwelling place, where even the very ends of components were specified.
* [[1 Kings 6:29]] uses the term to describe the "uttermost parts" of the inner and outer rooms of Solomon's Temple, which were adorned with carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. This indicates that the comprehensive decoration extended to the furthest reaches of the sacred structure.
* In [[Ezekiel 43:13]], qîytsôwn refers to the "uttermost border" or "base" of the altar, again emphasizing the exact dimensions and boundaries of a holy object within the visionary temple.
* **Geographical Extent (Judgment):**
* [[Ezekiel 7:2]] employs qîytsôwn in a prophetic context: "An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land." Here, "four corners" (literally "uttermost ends") signifies the totality and comprehensive reach of God's impending judgment over the entire land of Israel. It conveys that no part of the territory will escape the divine decree.
Across these occurrences, qîytsôwn consistently points to a definitive limit or boundary, whether physical (the edge of a curtain, the corner of a room, the border of an altar) or metaphorical (the full extent of a land subject to judgment).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of qîytsôwn is closely related to other Hebrew terms that express the idea of "end," "limit," or "extremity":
* **qêts (`{{H7093}}`):** This noun, meaning "end," "extremity," or "limit," is a direct cognate and foundational to qîytsôwn. While qêts is a general term for an end point, qîytsôwn functions adjectivally to describe something as being *at* that end.
* **qaṣeh (`{{H7098}}`):** Meaning "end," "edge," or "border," qaṣeh is very close in meaning and often used interchangeably with qîytsôwn in contexts like the "ends of the earth" or the "edge of a garment."
* **qetsâ (`{{H7097}}`):** Another noun meaning "end" or "border," often used for geographical boundaries.
* **sôph (`{{H5490}}`):** A more general term for "end" or "conclusion," often referring to the temporal end of a period.
The concept conveyed by qîytsôwn also intersects with broader biblical themes of:
* **Boundaries and Limits:** God's creation and His covenant establish clear boundaries.
* **Totality and Completeness:** The "uttermost" implies a comprehensive reach or a full extent.
* **Precision and Order:** Especially in the context of sacred architecture, the word highlights divine meticulousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of qîytsôwn emerges primarily from its usage in sacred architecture and prophetic judgment:
* **Divine Order and Holiness:** In the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, the specification of "uttermost edges" underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for precision in all matters pertaining to His worship. It emphasizes that every detail, down to the very boundaries, was divinely prescribed. This speaks to the absolute holiness of God and the need for human obedience to His exact standards in creating sacred space. The boundaries defined by qîytsôwn serve to delineate the sacred from the common, reinforcing the concept of God's distinctness and the reverence due to Him.
* **Sovereignty and All-Encompassing Judgment:** When qîytsôwn describes the "uttermost ends of the land" in Ezekiel, it powerfully communicates the inescapable and comprehensive nature of God's judgment. His reach extends to the absolute boundaries of human habitation, signifying that no one, no place, can escape His divine decree or His ultimate sovereignty. This highlights God's universal dominion and the certainty of His justice.
* **Completeness and Fullness:** Whether referring to the complete design of a sanctuary or the full extent of divine judgment, qîytsôwn conveys a sense of thoroughness and totality. It implies that God's plans and actions are fully realized, reaching their intended conclusion or encompassing their entire scope.
### Summary
H7020 (קִיצוֹן, *qîytsôwn*) is a Hebrew adjective meaning "terminal," "outermost," or "uttermost," signifying the extreme end or boundary of something. Its primary biblical occurrences are found in descriptions of the Tabernacle and Temple, where it emphasizes the precise and meticulous nature of God's architectural instructions, highlighting divine order and the sanctity of space. In prophetic contexts, particularly in Ezekiel, it denotes the comprehensive and all-encompassing reach of God's judgment, extending to the "uttermost ends" of the land. Theologically, qîytsôwn underscores God's meticulousness in establishing order and holiness, His absolute sovereignty and the inescapable nature of His actions, and the concept of completeness in His divine plans. It is closely related to other Hebrew terms for "end" or "extremity" such as qêts (`{{H7093}}`) and qaṣeh (`{{H7098}}`).
TRV