### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קָצָה (qâtsâh), Strong's number `{{H7098}}`, is a feminine noun derived from the root קָצַץ (qâtsats), meaning "to cut off" or "to terminate." It functions as the feminine counterpart to קָצֶה (qâtseh, `{{H7097}}`), sharing a closely related semantic field. At its core, קָצָה denotes a "termination," "end," or "extremity." Its semantic range extends to encompass various forms of limits and boundaries, including:
* **Geographical Boundaries:** Referring to the "coast" or "border" of a territory, land, or sea, signifying the outer limit of a region.
* **Physical Edges:** Indicating the "corner" or "edge" of an object, garment, or structure, marking its perimeter or a distinct point on its periphery.
* **Uttermost Limits:** Connoting the "lowest" or "uttermost" point, emphasizing the furthest extent or extreme reach of something, whether spatial or conceptual.
While sharing much with `{{H7097}}`, קָצָה often appears in contexts that emphasize a specific, defined, or particular end or extremity, sometimes aligning with the grammatical gender of the noun it modifies, but always retaining the fundamental sense of a definitive boundary or conclusion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קָצָה (qâtsâh) appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Geographical Borders:** Frequently, קָצָה designates the boundaries of tribal territories or geographical regions. For instance, in [[Joshua 15:2]], it describes the "southern border" (קְצֵה נֶגֶב) of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, marking a precise demarcation. Similarly, [[Joshua 18:12]] uses it for the "northern side" (קְצֵה צָפוֹנָה) of the border of Benjamin, highlighting the specific edge of a land division. These uses underscore the importance of defined limits in the allocation of the Promised Land.
* **Physical Corners and Edges:** The word is also employed to describe the physical extremities of objects. In [[Exodus 28:26]] and [[Exodus 39:19]], קָצָה refers to the "corners" (קְצוֹת) of the breastplate worn by the high priest. This usage emphasizes the precise points or edges of a sacred garment, crucial for its construction and symbolic integrity. In [[Leviticus 14:15]] and [[Leviticus 14:26]], it denotes the "ends" or "edges" of an object or a place where oil is applied in the purification rites for a leper, indicating a specific, defined point of application.
* **Uttermost Parts:** In [[1 Samuel 14:2]], קָצָה is used to describe the "uttermost part" (בִּקְצֵה הַגִּבְעָה) of Gibeah, indicating the furthest edge or extremity of the town. This usage conveys the idea of a remote or outermost point, highlighting distance or a boundary within a larger area. The concept of "ends of the earth" (קְצוֹת הָאָרֶץ), though often using `{{H7097}}`, sometimes implicitly invokes the sense of ultimate geographical limits that קָצָה can convey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to קָצָה (qâtsâh) is its masculine counterpart, קָצֶה (qâtseh, `{{H7097}}`). Both terms share the core meaning of "end" or "extremity," and their usage often overlaps. However, קָצָה, as a feminine noun, can sometimes imply a more specific, defined, or inherent boundary, or be used in contexts where the grammatical gender of the modified noun is feminine.
Other related concepts and terms include:
* **גְּבוּל (gevul, `{{H1366}}`):** This word specifically means "boundary" or "border," often referring to a fixed line of demarcation between territories. While similar in function, קָצָה can refer to an "end" or "edge" more broadly, not just a formal border line.
* **מִסְגֶּרֶת (misgeret, `{{H4550}}`):** Meaning "border," "frame," or "enclosure," this term often describes a physical rim or surrounding edge, particularly in architectural or crafted contexts (e.g., [[Exodus 25:27]]).
* **כָּלָה (kalah, `{{H3615}}`):** Meaning "completion," "end," or "destruction," this verb and its derivatives speak to the cessation or termination of a process or existence, a more final end than a boundary.
* **תָּמַם (tamam, `{{H8552}}`):** Meaning "to be complete," "to be finished," or "to be perfect," this verb likewise points to a state of conclusion or wholeness.
The concept of "limits" or "boundaries" is fundamental to biblical cosmology, law, and theology.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קָצָה (qâtsâh) lies in its contribution to the biblical understanding of order, divine sovereignty, and the scope of God's dominion.
* **Divine Order and Sovereignty:** The repeated use of קָצָה to delineate geographical boundaries (e.g., tribal lands) underscores God as the ultimate sovereign who establishes order and sets limits. He is the one who "fixed the boundaries of the peoples" ([[Deuteronomy 32:8]], though using a different term, the concept is related), ensuring a structured and purposeful creation. The precise definition of these boundaries, whether of land or sacred objects, reflects divine intentionality and meticulousness.
* **Covenant and Inheritance:** The specific "ends" or "borders" of the Promised Land, often described using קָצָה, are not arbitrary lines but integral to the covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants. These boundaries represent the tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness and the extent of the inheritance granted to His people.
* **The Extent of God's Reach:** While קָצָה itself does not directly refer to "ends of the earth" in the prophetic sense of universal dominion (that often falls to `{{H7097}}`), its underlying meaning of "uttermost part" subtly contributes to the broader biblical concept that God's authority and knowledge extend to the furthest reaches of creation. From the "ends" of the earth, praise is due to Him, and His salvation will reach.
* **Precision in Sacred Contexts:** The use of קָצָה for the "corners" of the high priest's breastplate highlights the divine demand for precision and exactitude in cultic objects and rituals. Every detail, down to the very edges, was significant in the worship of God.
### Summary
קָצָה (qâtsâh, `{{H7098}}`) is a significant Hebrew term denoting an "end," "termination," or "extremity." As the feminine counterpart to `{{H7097}}`, it shares a broad semantic range, encompassing geographical "coasts" and "borders," physical "corners" and "edges," and the "uttermost" limits of a place or object. Its contextual analysis reveals its application in defining land inheritances, detailing sacred objects, and describing the furthest points of a location. Theologically, קָצָה underscores God's meticulous establishment of order and boundaries in creation and covenant, His sovereignty over all territories, and the importance of precision in sacred service. It contributes to a biblical worldview where limits are not merely arbitrary but divinely ordained, reflecting God's purposeful design and control over all things.
TRV