a primitive root; to draw together, i.e. close; by implication, to leap (by contracting the limbs); specifically, to die (from gathering up the feet); shut (up), skip, stop, take out of the way.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâphats**, represented by `{{H7092}}`, is a primitive root meaning to draw together or close. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition encompasses several related actions, including the literal closing of a hand or mouth, the figurative stopping of something like mercy or iniquity, the physical act of leaping or skipping by contracting the limbs, and the act of being "taken out of the way," a euphemism for death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7092}}` is applied in a variety of literal and figurative contexts. It is used in the Law as a direct command against hard-heartedness, instructing one not to **shut** their hand from a poor brother [[Deuteronomy 15:7]]. The word is also used to describe the silencing of evil, where iniquity is said to **stop** her mouth ([[Psalms 107:42]], [[Job 5:16]]). In a moment of despair, the psalmist asks if God has in anger **shut up** His tender mercies [[Psalms 77:9]]. In a completely different context, it describes dynamic movement, as when the beloved is seen **skipping** upon the hills [[Song of Solomon 2:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the meaning of `{{H7092}}` within its specific contexts:
* `{{H553}}` **ʼâmats**: a primitive root; to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage); ...harden.... This word is used in parallel with `{{H7092}}` in the command not to **harden** one's heart or shut one's hand [[Deuteronomy 15:7]], linking an internal state of hardness to an external act of closing off.
* `{{H6310}}` **peh**: the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative. This word is the direct object of the action in several key verses, as iniquity **stoppeth** her mouth [[Job 5:16]] and kings **shut** their mouths [[Isaiah 52:15]].
* `{{H5243}}` **nâmal**: a primitive root; to become clipped or... be cut down (off), circumcise. This term is used alongside `{{H7092}}` to describe the finality of death, where the wicked are **taken out** of the way and **cut off** like corn [[Job 24:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7092}}` is demonstrated through its various applications:
* **Silencing Iniquity:** The word is used to describe iniquity having its mouth stopped in the presence of justice, providing hope for the poor and righteous ([[Job 5:16]], [[Psalms 107:42]]). This illustrates a theme of divine judgment where evil is ultimately silenced.
* **The Withholding of Mercy:** The term is used in commands to humans, such as not to **shut** the hand to the poor [[Deuteronomy 15:7]]. It is also used in a plea to God, questioning if He has in anger **shut up** His mercies [[Psalms 77:9]], linking the physical act of closing to the spiritual act of withholding compassion.
* **Reverent Awe:** In response to seeing what had not been told to them, kings are depicted as **shutting** their mouths [[Isaiah 52:15]]. This demonstrates a reaction of silent reverence and consideration when faced with a profound act of God that surpasses what they had previously heard or understood.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7092}}` is a versatile word whose core meaning of "drawing together" is applied to a wide spectrum of actions. From the compassionate choice to not **shut** one's hand to the poor, to the reverent silence of kings in awe, to the ultimate silencing of iniquity by God's justice, **qâphats** conveys powerful ideas about human responsibility, divine judgment, and the proper response to revelation.
TRV