### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb qâçaç (`{{H7082}}`) is a primitive root, carrying the core meaning "to lop off" or "to cut off." This definition implies a decisive and often violent severing of something from a larger whole. Unlike more general terms for cutting, qâçaç suggests a specific action of removing a part, similar to pruning a branch or amputating a limb. The action is absolute and irreversible, denoting a complete separation or removal. Its primitive nature indicates a fundamental, uncompounded action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb qâçaç (`{{H7082}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence profoundly significant for understanding its specific nuance.
* **[[Deuteronomy 25:12]]**: "then you shall cut off her hand; you shall not pity her."
This verse is part of a detailed legal instruction within the Mosaic Law. It addresses a specific scenario where a woman intervenes in a fight between her husband and another man, and in doing so, "grabs him by his private parts" (v. 11). The prescribed punishment for this act is the severing of her hand. The use of qâçaç here emphasizes the definitive and unsparing nature of the judgment. The phrase "you shall not pity her" underscores the absolute requirement for justice without sentimentality in this particular case. The act of "lopping off" a hand is a direct, physical consequence for a transgression that violated the sanctity and honor of a man's body. The rarity of the word highlights the unique severity and specificity of this particular legal injunction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its singular biblical occurrence, qâçaç (`{{H7082}}`) stands out for its specific application. While other Hebrew verbs convey the idea of "cutting," they often carry different semantic ranges or contextual implications:
* kārat (`{{H3772}}`): A very common verb meaning "to cut," often used for cutting covenants, cutting down trees, or cutting off people (extermination). It carries broader implications of decisive action, destruction, or separation.
* gāzar (`{{H1504}}`): To cut, divide, or determine, often implying a separation or a decree.
* gādad (`{{H1413}}`): To cut oneself, often in mourning or religious ritual.
* nātsats (`{{H5346}}`): To cut off, often implying a violent or forceful removal.
qâçaç (`{{H7082}}`) distinguishes itself by its precise focus on the "lopping off" of a limb or appendage, indicating a specific form of physical mutilation or amputation as a punitive measure. The concept it embodies is one of severe, irrevocable physical consequence for a transgression deemed particularly egregious within the legal framework of ancient Israel. It is intrinsically linked to divine justice and the enforcement of the Law.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of qâçaç (`{{H7082}}`) in [[Deuteronomy 25:12]] carries profound theological weight. It reveals several aspects of the divine Law and God's character:
1. **Divine Justice and Severity**: The command to "cut off her hand" without pity demonstrates the absolute and uncompromising nature of God's justice in certain contexts. The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of the offense, which involved a profound violation of male honor and perhaps a threat to the family line.
2. **Holiness and Order**: The Law sought to maintain a holy and ordered society, where actions had clear and severe consequences. This particular statute underscores the importance of physical integrity and the boundaries of appropriate conduct, even in the heat of conflict.
3. **The Nature of Retribution**: While not a direct application of *lex talionis* ("eye for an eye"), the punishment is a significant physical consequence for a physical transgression. It serves as a deterrent and a clear statement about the value placed on certain aspects of societal order and individual dignity within the covenant community.
4. **God's Authority**: The command originates from God Himself, revealing His authority to prescribe such severe measures to uphold justice and societal norms. The human agent is merely the executor of a divine decree.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb qâçaç (`{{H7082}}`) signifies the decisive and often violent act "to lop off" or "to cut off." Its solitary appearance in [[Deuteronomy 25:12]] powerfully illustrates its specific application: the unsparing severing of a hand as a judicial punishment. This unique usage underscores the absolute nature of divine justice, the severity of the Law for particular transgressions, and God's unwavering commitment to maintaining order and holiness within the covenant community. The word itself, though rare, conveys a stark and irreversible consequence, reflecting the gravity of the offense it addresses.
TRV