from קָצַע; cassia (as peeled; plural the bark); cassia.
Transliteration:qᵉtsîyʻâh
Pronunciation:kets-ee-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קְצִיעָה (qᵉtsîyʻâh), Strong's number `{{H7102}}`, is derived from the root קָצַע (qātsaʿ), meaning "to cut off," "to peel," or "to scrape." This etymological connection directly informs its primary meaning: "cassia." Cassia is an aromatic bark, similar to cinnamon, obtained by peeling or scraping from the tree. As a valuable spice, it was prized for its fragrance and medicinal properties. The base definition indicates both the substance itself and, in its plural form, the bark from which it is derived.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קְצִיעָה (qᵉtsîyʻâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Job 42:14]]. In this passage, it is used as the name of one of Job's three daughters born after his period of intense suffering and subsequent restoration. The verse states: "And he called the name of the first Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch."
The naming of these daughters is highly significant within the narrative of Job. After enduring immense loss, including the death of his previous children, Job is blessed with new offspring. The names chosen for these daughters are all indicative of beauty, preciousness, and fragrance: Jemimah ("dove"), Keziah ("cassia"), and Keren-happuch ("horn of antimony/cosmetic box"). The name Keziah, evoking the sweet and valuable spice cassia, symbolizes the renewed beauty and pleasantness that God has bestowed upon Job's life. It stands in stark contrast to the ashes and sorrow that previously marked his existence, signifying divine favor and restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H7102}}` specifically refers to the name "Keziah," its underlying meaning of "cassia" connects it to a broader category of valuable aromatic spices in the biblical world. Other spices frequently mentioned include myrrh, frankincense, cinnamon, aloes, and spikenard. Cassia itself (though often represented by the Hebrew word קִדָּה - qiddāh, `{{H6916}}`) was a key ingredient in the holy anointing oil prescribed for the tabernacle (e.g., [[Exodus 30:24]]).
The use of such spices was multifaceted:
* **Anointing Oils and Incense:** Used in sacred rituals, symbolizing consecration and a pleasing aroma to God.
* **Perfumes and Cosmetics:** Employed for personal adornment, suggesting beauty, luxury, and social status.
* **Medicinal Purposes:** Valued for their healing properties.
* **Burial Preparations:** Used to embalm or anoint bodies, signifying respect and hope.
The concept of "fragrance" (often represented by words like רֵיחַ - rêyaḥ, `{{H7381}}`) holds significant theological weight in the Bible, frequently symbolizing something pleasing or acceptable to God (e.g., the "pleasing aroma" of sacrifices in [[Genesis 8:21]] or the "fragrance of Christ" in [[2 Corinthians 2:15]]). Thus, a name like Keziah, meaning "cassia," carries connotations of preciousness, pleasantness, and divine favor. The root `{{H7106}}` (קָצַע - qātsaʿ), from which קְצִיעָה is derived, emphasizes the process of extraction, highlighting the value of the peeled bark.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קְצִיעָה (qᵉtsîyʻâh) is primarily tied to its unique appearance as the name "Keziah" in the book of Job. This name serves as a powerful symbol of divine restoration and recompense. After Job's profound suffering, God blesses him with new life, new family, and renewed prosperity. The naming of his daughters, especially Keziah, underscores the transformation from desolation to beauty, from sorrow to joy.
The precious and fragrant nature of cassia metaphorically represents the renewed favor and blessing that God bestows upon Job. It signifies that God can bring forth beauty and pleasantness even from the deepest ashes of despair. Keziah, alongside her sisters Jemimah and Keren-happuch, embodies God's sovereign power to restore what was lost and to elevate the humble. Their names are not merely descriptive but declarative, proclaiming God's goodness and grace in the face of immense trial. For Job, naming his daughter "Cassia" was an act of profound hope and a testament to the sweet aroma of God's redemptive work in his life.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קְצִיעָה (qᵉtsîyʻâh), Strong's number `{{H7102}}`, means "cassia," a valuable and fragrant spice derived from bark. Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Job 42:14]], where it is given as the name "Keziah" to one of Job's daughters born after his restoration. This name, evoking the preciousness and pleasant aroma of cassia, powerfully symbolizes the divine beauty, favor, and renewed blessing bestowed upon Job after his period of intense suffering. Theologically, "Keziah" stands as a testament to God's ability to transform sorrow into joy and bring forth preciousness from desolation, highlighting themes of restoration, divine grace, and the fragrant nature of God's redemptive work.
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