### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qetseb**, represented by `{{H7095}}`, is a term for **shape, base, bottom, or size**. Though it appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, its usage points to concepts of foundational limits and precise dimensions. It conveys the idea of something being "cut out" or "cut off," defining either its measurement or its lowest point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7095}}` is used in two distinct contexts. In the construction of the temple, it is used to describe the uniformity of sacred objects. The two cherubim were of "one **size**" [[1 Kings 6:25]], and the ten bases for the lavers also shared "one **size**" [[1 Kings 7:37]], emphasizing the precision of the design. In a dramatically different context, Jonah uses the word to describe the extremity of his despair, crying out that he "went down to the **bottoms** of the mountains" [[Jonah 2:6]], a place of ultimate depth and confinement.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H7095}}` in its specific contexts:
* `{{H4060}}` **middâh** (measure, size, stature): This word is used in direct parallel with `{{H7095}}` in both of its occurrences in 1 Kings, emphasizing the exact and identical dimensions of the temple furnishings ([[1 Kings 6:25]], [[1 Kings 7:37]]).
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): This word establishes the setting for the use of `{{H7095}}` in Jonah's prayer. Jonah descends to the very **bottoms** of the **mountains**, highlighting the depth of his predicament [[Jonah 2:6]].
* `{{H1280}}` **bᵉrîyach** (a bolt; bar, fugitive): Used in [[Jonah 2:6]], the **bars** of the earth trap Jonah at the bottom of the mountains, reinforcing the theme of inescapable confinement from which only God could provide rescue.
* `{{H7845}}` **shachath** (a pit, destruction, corruption, grave): This term appears in Jonah's cry of praise immediately after he describes being at the **bottoms** of the mountains. It represents the state of death from which God delivered him, raising his life from **corruption** [[Jonah 2:6]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H7095}}` is expressed through its contrasting applications.
* **Architectural Precision:** In the context of the temple, **qetseb** signifies divinely mandated order and uniformity. The identical **size** of the cherubim and bases points to a sacred design where every detail is intentional and precise [[1 Kings 7:37]].
* **The Lowest Point:** In Jonah, the word marks the boundary of life and the depth of hopelessness. The **bottoms** of the mountains represent a physical and spiritual nadir, a descent into a place akin to the grave [[Jonah 2:6]].
* **Foundational Boundary:** As a term for "base" or "bottom," the word points to the fundamental structure of creation. In Jonah's experience, the very foundations of the **earth** `{{H776}}` with its bars became his prison, a place of ultimate separation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7095}}` is a rare but potent word that carries a dual meaning. On one hand, it defines the meticulous and uniform **size** of holy objects within God's temple, reflecting divine order. On the other, it describes the terrifying finality of the **bottoms** of the earth, a place of entrapment and despair. The word powerfully illustrates both the precision of God's design and the depths from which He alone can rescue.
TRV