English · KJV
H7094

קָצַב

qâtsab /kaw-tsab'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto clip, or (generally) chop
KJV usagecut down, shorn.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of qâtsab — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word qâtsab, represented by H7094, is a primitive root meaning to clip, or (generally) chop; cut down, shorn. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is direct, referring to the act of cutting or shearing something.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The two uses of H7094 showcase its literal and metaphorical applications. In 2 Kings 6:6, the word is used literally when the man of God cut down a stick to perform a miracle and make an iron axe head float. In contrast, Song of Solomon 4:2 uses it metaphorically to describe a lover's teeth, which are compared to a flock of sheep that are evenly shorn, signifying their perfection, uniformity, and beauty.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words appear alongside H7094 in its narrative context, providing a fuller picture of the scene:

  • H5307 nâphal (to fall, in a great variety of applications): This word is used in 2 Kings 6:6 to describe the axe head that fell into the water, setting the stage for the miracle. It often describes a literal fall but can also signify failure or ruin, as in "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down" Psalms 37:24.
  • H7200 râʼâh (to see, literally or figuratively): Before cutting the stick, Elisha is shewed the place where the axe head fell 2 Kings 6:6. This word for sight is often used to contrast human perception with divine knowledge, as the LORD does not see as man seeth 1 Samuel 16:7.
  • H7993 shâlak (to throw out, down or away): After cutting the stick, Elisha cast it into the water 2 Kings 6:6. This action word can also be used figuratively, as in the command to cast your burden upon the LORD Psalms 55:22.

Theological Significance

The significance of H7094 lies in its specific and impactful applications.

  • An Act of Intervention: In the account from 2 Kings, the act of cutting down the stick is the physical means through which a miracle is enacted. It demonstrates how a simple, deliberate human action can be used by God to reverse a negative situation, like a lost tool 2 Kings 6:6.
  • A Symbol of Perfection: In Song of Solomon, being shorn is part of a series of images that convey flawlessness and vitality. The sheep are not only shorn but also washed and bearing twins, with none barren, painting a picture of ideal beauty and fruitfulness Song of Solomon 4:2.

Summary

In summary, H7094 is a precise term for cutting or chopping. Though used only twice, it effectively serves both a literal, narrative purpose and a rich, metaphorical one. From being the catalyst for a miracle in 2 Kings to a descriptor of perfect beauty in Song of Solomon, qâtsab shows how a simple physical action can carry significant weight and meaning in the biblical text.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • יִּקְצָב
  • קְּצוּבוֹת

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5307 נָפַל a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative); be acc H7200 רָאָה a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransit H7993 שָׁלַךְ a primitive root; to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively); adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out),

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in 2 Kings and Song of Solomon (1 verse each); never once in the other 37.

1
2 Kings
1
Song of Solomon

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.