and (feminine) קִצְוָה; from קָצָה; (used like קָצֶה, but with less variety); a limit; end, edge, uttermost participle
Transliteration:qetsev
Pronunciation:keh'-tsev
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H7099}}` (qetsev), along with its feminine form קִצְוָה (qitsvah), primarily denotes a "limit," "end," or "edge." Derived from the root verb `{{H7097}}` (qatsah), meaning "to cut off," "to scrape off," or "to determine an end," `{{H7099}}` inherently carries the sense of a defined boundary or a point of termination. While related to `{{H7097}}` (qatsah) and `{{H7093}}` (qatseh) in its semantic range of extremity, `{{H7099}}` tends to describe a more concrete or spatial limit, such as a geographical border or the physical end of an object. Its usage emphasizes the precise demarcation of a boundary, distinguishing one area or part from another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7099}}` and its feminine variant appear sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but each instance powerfully conveys the idea of a distinct boundary or extremity:
* **Geographical Limits:** In [[Numbers 34:3]], קֶצֶו (qetsev) describes the "southern border" of the promised land, specifically mentioning the "uttermost part" of the Salt Sea. Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 13:8]] (MT 13:9) refers to the "uttermost part" (קֶצֶו) of the land, emphasizing the full extent of the territory. These uses highlight `{{H7099}}` as a fixed, geographical demarcation.
* **Cosmic Boundaries:** A profound usage appears in [[Job 26:10]], where God is depicted as having "inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary (קֶצֶו) between light and darkness." Here, `{{H7099}}` signifies a divinely established cosmic limit, underscoring God's sovereign control over creation and the natural order.
* **Architectural Extremities:** The feminine form קִצְוָה (qitsvah) is found in contexts describing the precise dimensions of sacred structures:
* In [[Exodus 26:24]] and [[Exodus 36:29]], it refers to the "top" or "end" of the planks used in the Tabernacle, indicating the exact point where they met or terminated.
* In [[Ezekiel 43:13]], [[Ezekiel 43:14]], and [[Ezekiel 43:17]], קִצְוָה describes the "base" or "edge" of the altar in Ezekiel's visionary temple. These applications underscore the meticulous precision and divinely ordained measurements inherent in the construction of God's dwelling and instruments of worship.
Across these contexts, `{{H7099}}` consistently denotes a well-defined and often divinely appointed boundary, whether physical, geographical, or cosmic.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H7099}}` is closely intertwined with several related Hebrew terms:
* `{{H7097}}` (qatsah): The verbal root from which `{{H7099}}` is derived, meaning "to cut off," "to determine an end." This root provides the foundational concept of defining or marking a limit.
* `{{H7093}}` (qatseh): A very common noun meaning "end," "border," "extremity." While `{{H7093}}` has a broader range of application, `{{H7099}}` often functions similarly, emphasizing a precise and often final limit.
* `{{H7098}}` (qatsah): The feminine form of `{{H7097}}`, also meaning "end" or "extremity," particularly in spatial or temporal contexts.
* `{{H7096}}` (qatsar): "To cut off," "to be short." While not directly derived, it shares the conceptual link of limitation or termination.
The core concept uniting these words is that of a boundary, a point beyond which something does not extend, or a defined terminus.
### Theological Significance
The concept of "limit" or "end" conveyed by `{{H7099}}` carries significant theological weight, primarily pointing to divine order and sovereignty.
1. **Divine Order in Creation:** The most striking theological implication is seen in [[Job 26:10]], where God sets a קֶצֶו for the waters and the boundary between light and darkness. This portrays God as the ultimate architect and sustainer of the cosmos, who does not permit chaos but establishes precise, unalterable limits for creation. It speaks to a universe governed by divine decree, not by chance.
2. **Sovereignty over Land and Nations:** The use of `{{H7099}}` for geographical borders in Numbers and Deuteronomy underscores God's sovereignty over the land and His people. The boundaries of Israel's inheritance were not arbitrary but divinely appointed, reflecting God's promise and His control over the destiny of nations.
3. **Holiness and Precision in Worship:** In the Tabernacle and Temple contexts, the meticulous application of קִצְוָה to architectural elements signifies the divine demand for precision and order in sacred spaces and objects. The "ends" and "bases" of the Tabernacle planks and the altar were not left to human discretion but were divinely specified, emphasizing the holiness and exactitude required in approaching and serving a holy God. This demonstrates that even the physical details of worship are subject to divine design, reflecting God's perfect nature.
### Summary
`{{H7099}}` (qetsev) and its feminine form קִצְוָה (qitsvah) precisely denote a "limit," "end," or "edge," derived from the root `{{H7097}}` (qatsah), "to cut off" or "to determine an end." Its biblical occurrences consistently highlight a definite boundary, whether geographical ([[Numbers 34:3]]), cosmic ([[Job 26:10]]), or architectural ([[Exodus 26:24]], [[Ezekiel 43:13]]). Theologically, `{{H7099}}` underscores God's sovereign establishment of order in creation, His control over the boundaries of nations, and His demand for meticulous precision in the design of sacred spaces, all pointing to a God who is both the definer of limits and the sustainer of all things within those bounds.
TRV