a primitive root; to cut off; (figuratively) to destroy; (partially) to scrape off; cut off, cut short, scrape (off).
Transliteration:qâtsâh
Pronunciation:kaw-tsaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7096}}` (קָצָה, *qâtsâh*) is a primitive verb carrying the fundamental meaning of "to cut off." This core sense extends to a significant semantic range, encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it denotes the physical act of severing, removing by cutting, or scraping away. This can be seen in contexts of material removal, such as "scraping off" a surface. Figuratively, qâtsâh expands to signify termination, eradication, or destruction, implying a decisive and often complete cessation of something. It conveys the idea of bringing an end, making something cease to exist, or drastically shortening its duration or extent. The nuance often implies a definitive action that separates or removes a part from a whole, or an entity from its context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7096}}` in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications:
* **Literal Removal/Scraping:** In [[Leviticus 14:41]], in the context of cleansing a house afflicted with a leprous disease, the priest is commanded to "cause the house to be scraped within round about." Here, qâtsâh refers to the literal act of scraping off the infected plaster, emphasizing physical removal for the sake of purification and renewal. This highlights the word's use in rituals of cleansing and restoration.
* **Figurative Destruction/Termination:** [[Deuteronomy 32:26]] presents God's declaration concerning Israel's unfaithfulness: "I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men." While some translations render this as "cut them to pieces" (NIV) or "cut them off," the sense is clearly one of utter destruction or termination of their presence and memory. This passage underscores God's sovereign power to bring an end to a people or their legacy as a consequence of their actions.
* **Termination of Service or Lineage:** In [[1 Samuel 2:33]], God pronounces judgment upon Eli's house: "And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart." Here, qâtsâh signifies the termination of priestly service, a severe judgment leading to the loss of position and privilege. This application highlights the word's use in divine judgment leading to the cessation of a specific role or the cutting off of a lineage.
* **Pruning for Future Growth:** [[Isaiah 18:5]] uses qâtsâh in an agricultural context: "For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches." This instance demonstrates the word's use for "pruning" – a cutting action that, while seemingly destructive, is performed with the intent of promoting healthier growth and future fruitfulness. This provides a unique perspective on qâtsâh, where cutting off is not purely punitive but can be preparatory for a greater good.
These contexts reveal that qâtsâh consistently denotes a decisive action of removal or termination, whether for physical purification, judicial punishment, or even agricultural enhancement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H7096}}` intersects with several other Hebrew terms that convey notions of cutting, ending, or destruction:
* `{{H3772}}` (כָּרַת, *kārath*): This is a very common verb meaning "to cut," "to cut off," or "to cut down." It is frequently used in the context of making covenants (cutting a covenant) or cutting off individuals or nations from the community or from life. While kārath is broader, its "cutting off" sense often overlaps with qâtsâh in terms of termination or destruction.
* `{{H6990}}` (קָצַר, *qātsar*): Meaning "to shorten," "to cut short," or "to reap," this word shares phonetic similarity and a conceptual link to qâtsâh, particularly in the idea of reducing or bringing something to an end.
* `{{H5493}}` (סוּף, *sûph*): This verb means "to come to an end," "to perish," or "to cease." It captures the outcome of being "cut off" or destroyed, focusing on the cessation of existence.
* `{{H6789}}` (צָמַת, *tsâmâth*): This verb specifically means "to destroy," "to cut off," or "to exterminate." It is a strong synonym for the destructive aspect of qâtsâh, emphasizing complete annihilation.
The distinctiveness of qâtsâh often lies in its implication of a precise, decisive act of removal, whether for cleansing, judgment, or even preparatory pruning, suggesting a targeted rather than indiscriminate termination.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7096}}` is profound, touching upon themes of divine sovereignty, justice, holiness, and even redemptive purpose:
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** The frequent use of qâtsâh in divine pronouncements ([[Deuteronomy 32:26]], [[1 Samuel 2:33]]) underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life, lineage, and destiny. He is the one who can "cut off" individuals, families, or nations as a just consequence for sin and disobedience. This highlights His role as the ultimate judge who brings an end to rebellion and unrighteousness.
* **Holiness and Purification:** The application in [[Leviticus 14:41]] in the context of cleansing from leprosy reveals qâtsâh as an instrument of purification. The "scraping off" of defilement is essential for restoring holiness, symbolizing God's demand for purity and His provision for cleansing from impurity, both physical and spiritual. This connects the word to the broader biblical theme of God's desire for His people to be set apart and undefiled.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** Being "cut off" is often presented as a dire consequence of rejecting God's covenant or violating His commands. It represents separation from divine favor, community, or even life itself, serving as a powerful deterrent and a testament to the gravity of sin.
* **Redemptive Pruning:** The use in [[Isaiah 18:5]] offers a nuanced theological perspective. While it is a "cutting off," it is not solely for destruction but for the purpose of future fruitfulness. This can be seen as a metaphor for God's disciplinary actions that, though painful, are ultimately aimed at refining His people and preparing them for greater blessing and productivity. It suggests that even in severe measures, God's ultimate purpose can be redemptive.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7096}}` (קָצָה, *qâtsâh*) is a potent verb whose core meaning of "to cut off" extends to encompass literal scraping, figurative destruction, and the termination of existence or function. Its biblical occurrences demonstrate a range of applications, from the physical removal of impurity in ritual cleansing ([[Leviticus 14:41]]) to the decisive judgment of God upon unfaithful individuals or nations ([[Deuteronomy 32:26]], [[1 Samuel 2:33]]). Intriguingly, it also describes the act of pruning for future growth ([[Isaiah 18:5]]), revealing a potential for redemptive purpose even within an act of severance. Theologically, qâtsâh powerfully conveys God's sovereignty, His righteous judgment against sin, His commitment to holiness and purification, and His capacity to bring about both punitive and restorative ends through decisive action. It is a word that speaks to the definitive nature of divine intervention in the affairs of humanity.
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