### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qaʻăqaʻ**, represented by `{{H7085}}`, refers to **an incision or gash; [phrase] mark**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entirety of the Bible, making its single context critically important for understanding its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7085}}` is in [[Leviticus 19:28]], where the Israelites are given a direct command from God. The verse states, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any **marks** upon you: I am the LORD." This places the word in the context of a prohibition against specific mourning rituals that involved permanently marking the body. The command is immediately followed by the declaration "I am the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`," grounding the rule in God's divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in the same verse clarify the scope of this prohibition:
* `{{H8296}}` **sereṭ** (cutting): Defined as "an incision; cutting," this word appears in the first part of the command in [[Leviticus 19:28]], forbidding gashes made in the flesh as a sign of mourning.
* `{{H3793}}` **kᵉthôbeth** (a letter or other mark branded on the skin): This term for a branded mark appears in [[Leviticus 19:28]] in close connection with the prohibition, reinforcing the ban on various forms of skin markings.
* `{{H1320}}` **bâsâr** (flesh): This word, meaning "flesh" or "body," is the subject of the command. The prohibition is specifically about what is done to the **flesh**, establishing a principle concerning the body itself [[Leviticus 19:28]].
* `{{H5315}}` **nephesh** (dead): The prohibition against cuttings is specifically linked to rituals "for the **dead**," suggesting the command was intended to separate Israelite practices from those of other nations. [[Leviticus 19:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7085}}` is derived entirely from its context in Leviticus.
* **Bodily Sanctity:** The prohibition against making **marks** `{{H7085}}` or **cuttings** `{{H8296}}` on the **flesh** `{{H1320}}` establishes a principle that the human body is to be regarded as sacred and not defiled by pagan mourning practices [[Leviticus 19:28]].
* **Covenantal Distinction:** This command served to distinguish the people of Israel from surrounding cultures, whose rituals for the **dead** `{{H5315}}` often included such physical markings. It was a visible sign of their unique relationship with God.
* **Divine Ownership:** The concluding phrase of the verse, "I am the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`," asserts God's ultimate ownership and authority over His people, including their physical bodies. The command is not merely a cultural guideline but a reflection of their identity as belonging to Him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7085}}` is a highly specific term used once to forbid the act of placing permanent marks on the body. Its context in [[Leviticus 19:28]] frames this act as an unacceptable pagan mourning custom. The prohibition is theologically significant, underscoring the principles of bodily sanctity, the need for Israel to be distinct from other nations, and the absolute authority of the LORD, who claims His people as His own.
TRV