### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qᵉtsâphâh**, represented by `{{H7111}}`, means **a fragment** or, in its verbal sense, **to be barked**. It is a very specific term, appearing only **1 time** in the Bible. Its sole use describes an act of destructive stripping, vividly capturing a state of utter ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H7111}}` is found in Joel's prophecy of agricultural devastation. In [[Joel 1:7]], the prophet describes an invading force that has "laid my vine waste{H8047}, and **barked** my fig tree{H8384}". The action of being "barked" results in the tree being made "clean bare" with its branches "made white". This paints a powerful picture of a judgment so complete that it strips a tree of its protective outer layer, leaving it exposed and destroyed.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Joel 1:7]] illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H8384}}` **tᵉʼên** (the fig (tree or fruit); fig (tree)): The object of the destructive action. The fig tree is often a symbol of blessing, peace, and national sustenance in scripture ([[Haggai 2:19]], [[Joel 2:22]]).
* `{{H8047}}` **shammâh** (ruin; by implication, consternation; astonishment, desolate(-ion), waste, wonderful thing): This word describes the state of the vine in the same verse and is frequently used to depict the desolation resulting from divine judgment ([[Jeremiah 4:7]], [[Isaiah 13:9]]).
* `{{H7760}}` **sûwm** (to put... appoint... lay... make... set): This verb, used as "laid" in [[Joel 1:7]], shows that the devastation is an intentional act. The dossier shows this word is often used for divine actions, such as appointing beauty for ashes [[Isaiah 61:3]] or making a way in the wilderness [[Isaiah 43:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7111}}` is concentrated in its powerful imagery of judgment:
* **Total Ruin:** To be "barked" is to be stripped bare. Symbolically, it represents a judgment that is not merely corrective but seemingly total, removing all outward signs of life and protection.
* **Reversal of Blessing:** The action is performed on a fig tree `{{H8384}}`, a symbol of God's provision for Israel. The use of `{{H7111}}` thus signifies a devastating reversal of blessing, turning a source of life into a stark monument of ruin.
* **A Sign of Desolation:** The consequence of being barked—the branches being "made white" [[Joel 1:7]]—serves as a visible and undeniable sign of the land's desolation, a theme echoed by the related term for "waste" `{{H8047}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7111}}` is a rare but impactful Hebrew word. Though used only once, its appearance in [[Joel 1:7]] provides one of scripture's most graphic descriptions of destruction. It moves beyond a simple definition of a "fragment" to illustrate the violent stripping away of life and blessing, transforming a fruitful fig tree into a symbol of divine judgment and complete desolation.
TRV