### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H7113}}` (קְצַץ, *qᵉtsats*) carries the core meaning of "to chop off" or "to cut off." This definition aligns closely with its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H7106}}` (קָצַץ, *qatsats*), which also denotes a forceful severance. The semantic range of `{{H7113}}` encompasses both literal and figurative applications, implying a decisive and often destructive act of separation or termination. While its primary sense is physical dismemberment or felling, the context in which it appears in the biblical text suggests a broader application to the cessation of power or status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb `{{H7113}}` appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the book of Daniel. Its singular occurrence is found in:
* **[[Daniel 4:14]] (Aramaic 4:17):** "Hew down the tree, and cut off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it, and the birds from its branches."
In this passage, `{{H7113}}` is used in the imperative form ("וְקַצְצוּ עַנְפֹהִי" - "and cut off its branches"). The context is Nebuchadnezzar's second dream, interpreted by Daniel. The dream describes a magnificent tree, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar himself, which is divinely decreed to be cut down. The command to "cut off its branches" (וְקַצְצוּ עַנְפֹהִי) signifies the removal of the tree's glory, its widespread influence, and its ability to provide sustenance and shelter. This act of cutting off is a direct divine judgment, leading to the king's temporary loss of sanity and dominion, intended to humble him and teach him that "the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he will" [[Daniel 4:17]]. The use of `{{H7113}}` here underscores the decisive and absolute nature of God's sovereign power to humble even the mightiest earthly rulers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H7106}}` (קָצַץ, *qatsats*), which carries the same fundamental meaning of "to cut off" or "to chop off." Both verbs emphasize a forceful and often destructive act of severance.
Other related Hebrew and Aramaic terms that convey aspects of cutting, severing, or ending include:
* `{{H3772}}` (כָּרַת, *karat*): A common Hebrew verb meaning "to cut off," often used in the context of making a covenant (cutting a covenant) or, conversely, of being cut off from one's people or life as a form of divine judgment.
* `{{H1504}}` (גְּזַר, *gĕzar*): An Aramaic verb meaning "to cut off" or "to decree." It appears in Daniel in contexts of cutting stone or decreeing a judgment.
* `{{H1468}}` (גָּדַע, *gada*): A Hebrew verb meaning "to cut off," "to lop off," or "to hew down," often applied to trees or the power of individuals.
The concept of "cutting off" is frequently employed in biblical theology to denote:
* **Judgment and Punishment:** The termination of life, lineage, or power due to sin or rebellion against God.
* **Separation and Removal:** The act of God separating individuals or groups from a state of blessing or community.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's ultimate authority to establish and remove earthly powers.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H7113}}` in [[Daniel 4:14]] carries profound theological weight, primarily illustrating the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms and rulers.
1. **Divine Judgment and Humiliation:** The command to "cut off" the tree's branches and ultimately the tree itself symbolizes God's decisive act of judgment against Nebuchadnezzar's pride and self-exaltation. It demonstrates that no human power, however vast, is beyond God's ability to humble and remove. The severity of the "cutting off" highlights the seriousness of challenging divine authority.
2. **Purposeful Discipline:** While destructive in its immediate effect, the "cutting off" in Daniel 4 is not for ultimate annihilation but for redemptive discipline. It serves as a means for Nebuchadnezzar to learn humility and acknowledge the Most High's dominion. This illustrates God's use of severe measures to bring about repentance and recognition of His glory.
3. **Metaphor for Loss of Power and Glory:** The act of cutting off branches and leaves vividly portrays the stripping away of a king's dominion, his supporting structures, and his outward splendor. It is a powerful metaphor for the fragility of human authority when confronted by divine decree.
4. **Contrast with Covenantal "Cutting":** Unlike `{{H3772}}` (*karat*) which can signify the "cutting" of a covenant, establishing a relationship, `{{H7113}}` here signifies the destructive severance of a relationship of power and blessing due to pride, emphasizing the consequences of breaking faith with God.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H7113}}` (קְצַץ, *qᵉtsats*) means "to chop off" or "to cut off," functioning as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H7106}}`. Its sole occurrence in the biblical text is found in [[Daniel 4:14]] (Aramaic 4:17), where it describes the divine command to "cut off" the branches of the great tree symbolizing King Nebuchadnezzar. In this context, `{{H7113}}` powerfully conveys the decisive and absolute nature of God's judgment and His sovereign power to humble and remove even the most formidable earthly rulers. The act of "cutting off" serves as a vivid metaphor for the stripping away of pride, power, and glory, ultimately demonstrating that dominion belongs to the Most High and is bestowed according to His will.
TRV