### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâtsats**, represented by `{{H7112}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **chop off** or **cut**. It appears 15 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used both literally, describing the physical act of cutting things apart, and figuratively as an idiom for the **utmost** or most remote regions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7112}}` is used to describe acts of decisive cutting. It appears in contexts of judgment and punishment, such as when Adonibezek had the thumbs and great toes of kings **cut off** [[Judges 1:7]], or when David ordered his men to **cut off** the hands and feet of his enemies [[2 Samuel 4:12]]. The word also denotes the dismantling or destruction of sacred objects, as when King Ahaz and others **cut in pieces** the vessels of the house of God ([[2 Chronicles 28:24]], [[2 Kings 24:13]]). In a different sense, it describes fine craftsmanship, as when gold was **cut** into wires for the priest's garments [[Exodus 39:3]]. Figuratively, it is used as an idiom for "the **utmost** corners," referring to the most distant peoples ([[Jeremiah 9:26]], [[Jeremiah 49:32]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the actions associated with cutting and destruction:
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent; slay): This word is often used in parallel with acts of physical punishment. For instance, David's men first **slew** their targets and then **cut off** `{{H7112}}` their hands and feet [[2 Samuel 4:12]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (to go out, bring forth): This term can precede an act of destruction. The treasures of the LORD's house were first carried **out** from the temple before they were **cut in pieces** `{{H7112}}` [[2 Kings 24:13]].
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to burst; break): Often paired with `{{H7112}}` to describe the complete dismantling of weapons. In describing God's power, He **breaketh** the bow and **cutteth** `{{H7112}}` the spear in sunder [[Psalms 46:9]].
* `{{H7673}}` **shâbath** (to cease, make to fail): The act of cutting is shown as a cause for a cessation of hostilities. God makes wars **to cease** by breaking the bow and **cutting** `{{H7112}}` the spear [[Psalms 46:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7112}}` is significant, often highlighting themes of judgment, desecration, and divine sovereignty.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word is directly linked to retribution. Adonibezek acknowledges that having his thumbs and toes **cut off** `{{H7112}}` is a requital from God for his own cruel acts [[Judges 1:7]]. Similarly, the LORD demonstrates his righteousness when he **cut asunder** the cords of the wicked [[Psalms 129:4]].
* **Desecration and Apostasy:** The act of cutting is used to describe severe acts of sacrilege. King Ahaz demonstrated his apostasy when he **cut in pieces** the vessels of God's house [[2 Chronicles 28:24]]. The destruction of the temple's golden vessels by foreign invaders is also described as being **cut in pieces** `{{H7112}}` [[2 Kings 24:13]].
* **Sovereign Peacemaking:** In a powerful depiction of God's ultimate authority, He is the one who **cutteth** the spear in sunder as part of making wars cease across the earth [[Psalms 46:9]]. Here, the destructive act of cutting serves the ultimate purpose of establishing divine peace.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7112}}` is a potent word that signifies a decisive and often violent severing. It is far more than a simple verb for cutting. It conveys concepts of judgment, as seen in legal punishments and divine retribution ([[Deuteronomy 25:12]], [[Judges 1:7]]). The term is also used to mark the desecration of holy items and the dismantling of power, whether it be a king's temple furnishings or the weapons of war ([[2 Chronicles 28:24]], [[Psalms 46:9]]). From the brutal mutilation of enemies to the Lord's sovereign act of bringing peace, **qâtsats** illustrates how a single action can represent both human cruelty and divine authority.
TRV