the same as קְצִיעָה; Ketsiah, a daughter of Job; Kezia.
Transliteration:Qᵉtsîyʻâh
Pronunciation:kets-ee-aw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קְצִיעָה (Qᵉtsîyʻâh), transliterated as Qᵉtsîyʻâh, is a proper noun, specifically the name of one of Job's three daughters born after his restoration. While primarily a name, its etymological root is significant. It is widely understood to derive from a word related to "cassia," a fragrant spice obtained from the bark of a tree similar to cinnamon (cf. `{{H7102}}`, which denotes the spice itself). Thus, the name carries the connotation of "fragrance," "sweetness," or "pleasant aroma," akin to the valuable and aromatic spice. This suggests an inherent beauty and preciousness associated with the individual bearing the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Qᵉtsîyʻâh (Kezia in English translations) appears only once in the biblical text, in the book of Job: [[Job 42:14]]. This verse enumerates the three daughters born to Job after his period of immense suffering and subsequent divine restoration. The full verse reads: "And he called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch." The naming of these daughters is particularly noteworthy, as their names—Jemimah ("dove"), Kezia ("cassia," or "fragrance"), and Keren-happuch ("horn of antimony/cosmetic box")—all evoke images of beauty, grace, and preciousness. This stands in stark contrast to the devastation Job experienced, where his previous children were lost. The inclusion of these names underscores the completeness of God's blessing and the profound renewal of Job's life and family. The context is one of divine recompense and the overflowing goodness of God after a period of intense trial.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H7102}}`, also קְצִיעָה (qᵉtsîyʻâh), which directly refers to the spice "cassia." This connection solidifies the etymological understanding of the name Kezia. In the ancient Near East, spices like cassia were highly valued for their fragrance, medicinal properties, and use in anointing oils and perfumes. They were often symbols of wealth, luxury, and pleasantness. The other names of Job's daughters, Jemimah and Keren-happuch, are also significant in this regard, as they collectively paint a picture of restored beauty and divine favor. Jemimah, "dove," symbolizes purity and peace, while Keren-happuch, "horn of antimony" (a cosmetic used for eye makeup), speaks to outward beauty and adornment. Together, these names convey a holistic sense of restored grace and aesthetic delight, moving beyond mere physical restoration to a state of profound blessedness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Qᵉtsîyʻâh (Kezia) is deeply intertwined with the overarching message of the book of Job: divine sovereignty, human suffering, and God's ultimate restoration. Kezia, along with her sisters, represents the tangible evidence of God's abundant grace and the reversal of Job's fortunes. Her name, signifying "fragrance" or "cassia," speaks to the sweetness and beauty that God brings forth even from the ashes of despair. After Job's profound suffering, his life, symbolized by his restored family and particularly by these daughters with their beautiful names, becomes a "sweet aroma" to the Lord (cf. [[Ephesians 5:2]]). It signifies that God's restoration is not merely functional but also aesthetic and overflowing, bringing forth new life that is precious and delightful. Her existence is a testament to God's power to redeem and beautify lives that have been shattered, transforming sorrow into joy and desolation into flourishing.
### Summary
Qᵉtsîyʻâh (Kezia) is the proper name of one of Job's three daughters born after his divine restoration, appearing solely in [[Job 42:14]]. Etymologically, the name is linked to "cassia," a valuable and fragrant spice, conveying connotations of "fragrance," "sweetness," and "preciousness." Her name, alongside those of her sisters Jemimah and Keren-happuch, serves as a powerful symbol of the profound and beautiful restoration God bestowed upon Job after his immense suffering. Theologically, Kezia represents the abundant grace and aesthetic beauty of God's redemptive work, demonstrating how divine intervention can transform a life of desolation into one of renewed blessing, beauty, and delightful fragrance.
TRV