from קָצַץ; abrupt; Keziz, a valley in Palestine; Keziz.
Transliteration:Qᵉtsîyts
Pronunciation:kets-eets'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קְצִיץ (Qᵉtsîyts), Strong's number `{{H7104}}`, is derived from the root קָצַץ (qāṣaṣ), Strong's number `{{H7106}}`. The root קָצַץ carries the primary meaning of "to cut off," "to cut short," or "to be abrupt." Consequently, קְצִיץ inherently conveys the sense of something "abrupt" or "cut off." However, in its sole biblical occurrence, קְצִיץ functions as a proper noun, specifically a place name: Keziz. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its identification as a geographical location. While its etymological root suggests a characteristic of the place—perhaps a valley with steep, abrupt sides, or a boundary that was sharply delineated—its direct meaning within the text is simply the name of a specific locality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קְצִיץ (Qᵉtsîyts) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 18:21]]: "Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth-hoglah, and Emek-keziz,"
In this solitary instance, Keziz is listed as one of the twelve cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The context is the detailed enumeration of the tribal inheritances in the Promised Land, following the division of the land by lot. The inclusion of Keziz within this list underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record concerning the geographical boundaries and settlements of the Israelite tribes. It serves as a specific landmark within the territory of Benjamin, contributing to the comprehensive geographical and administrative depiction of the nascent Israelite nation. Its position in the list, alongside other well-known sites like Jericho, suggests it was a recognized, albeit perhaps less prominent, feature of the landscape.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to קְצִיץ (Qᵉtsîyts) is its verbal root, קָצַץ (qāṣaṣ) `{{H7106}}`. This root is found in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, often conveying the idea of cutting, severing, or bringing to an end. Examples include:
* Cutting off hair or branches (e.g., [[Ezekiel 5:1]], [[Leviticus 14:43]]).
* Cutting down trees (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 20:20]]).
* Figuratively, "cutting off" or "destroying" a people or a lineage (e.g., [[Judges 1:7]]).
* The concept of being "cut short" or "abrupt" in time or duration.
While קְצִיץ itself is a proper noun, its root connects it to the broader semantic field of division, termination, and distinct boundaries—concepts highly relevant to the context of land allocation in Joshua. Other related concepts include the meticulous geographical descriptions in the book of Joshua (e.g., גְּבוּל (gĕbûl) `{{H1366}}`, "boundary" or "territory"), which highlight the divine precision in fulfilling covenant promises. The naming of places, often reflecting physical characteristics or historical events, is a common biblical practice, binding the landscape to the narrative of God's interaction with His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קְצִיץ (Qᵉtsîyts), as a proper noun, is primarily indirect but nonetheless profound. Its inclusion in the meticulous list of Benjamin's cities in [[Joshua 18:21]] testifies to several key theological principles:
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment:** The precise enumeration of cities like Keziz demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, specifically the promise of the land (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18]]). Every named city, no matter how obscure, is a testament to the detailed execution of God's plan.
2. **Divine Order and Sovereignty:** The systematic division of the land by lot, under divine guidance, and the subsequent meticulous recording of each tribe's inheritance, including specific places like Keziz, underscore God's sovereignty over creation and His providential ordering of human affairs. It reflects a divine blueprint for the nation of Israel.
3. **The Tangibility of God's Gift:** The very specificity of these geographical names grounds the abstract concept of "the Promised Land" in tangible, identifiable locations. Keziz is not merely a poetic ideal but a real place, emphasizing the concrete nature of God's blessings.
4. **Theological Geography:** The Bible often imbues geographical features with theological meaning. While the etymology of "abrupt" for Keziz is not explicitly expounded upon, it subtly contributes to the picture of a rugged, diverse land given by God, where even the characteristics of the terrain might reflect aspects of divine design or the challenges and blessings faced by His people.
### Summary
קְצִיץ (Qᵉtsîyts), Strong's number `{{H7104}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root קָצַץ (qāṣaṣ) `{{H7106}}`, meaning "to cut off" or "abrupt." It refers to Keziz, a specific valley or city located within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. Its sole biblical occurrence is found in [[Joshua 18:21]], where it is listed among the twelve cities of Benjamin. The word's significance lies not in its direct semantic meaning within the narrative, but in its role as a specific geographical marker. Its inclusion highlights God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land, His sovereignty in ordering the tribal inheritances, and the tangible reality of the Promised Land as a divine gift. Though a seemingly minor detail, Keziz contributes to the comprehensive and divinely orchestrated geographical record of Israel's inheritance, underscoring the precision and reliability of God's Word.
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