### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qôtser**, represented by `{{H7115}}`, denotes **anguish** or a shortness of spirit that leads to impatience. Stemming from a root meaning "to be short," this term appears **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. It powerfully captures a state of emotional and spiritual distress so profound that it hinders one's ability to be receptive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{H7115}}` occurs in a pivotal moment of Israel's suffering in Egypt. In [[Exodus 6:9]], Moses `{{H4872}}` delivers a message from God to the children `{{H1121}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`, but they are unable to listen. The text states they "hearkened not unto Moses for **anguish** of spirit, and for cruel bondage." Here, **qôtser** is the direct cause of their inability to hear and accept the promise of deliverance, illustrating how extreme hardship can overwhelm the human spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Exodus 6:9]] help clarify the meaning of `{{H7115}}`:
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (spirit): This is the part of the person that experiences the **qôtser**, or "shortness." Defined as wind, breath, life, or mind, its affliction in this context shows a crushing of the innermost being.
* `{{H5656}}` **ʻăbôdâh** (bondage): This is the external cause of the anguish. While it can mean "service" or "work" in a general sense, here it refers to the harsh servitude imposed on the Israelites [[Exodus 6:9]].
* `{{H7186}}` **qâsheh** (cruel): This adjective, meaning severe or hard, modifies "bondage" and underscores the intensity of the suffering that produced the state of **qôtser**. The bondage was not merely work, but a grievous and heavy burden.
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (hearkened): This is the action that the Israelites' **anguish** prevented them from performing. The word means "to hear intelligently," implying attention and obedience, which was impossible for them in their state of distress [[Exodus 6:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7115}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful appearance.
* **The Spiritual Impact of Suffering:** The term demonstrates that severe physical and emotional oppression, such as the "cruel bondage" (`{{H7186}}`, `{{H5656}}`) in Egypt, can directly create a barrier to spiritual receptiveness.
* **A Barrier to Hearing God:** The Israelites' "anguish of spirit" prevented them from being able to "hearken" `{{H8085}}` to the words of God's prophet, Moses `{{H4872}}`. This shows a condition where suffering is so overwhelming that it closes the ears to messages of hope.
* **Compassionate Understanding of Weakness:** Rather than simply framing the Israelites' failure to listen as disobedience, the use of **qôtser** provides a reason rooted in the frailty of the human spirit `{{H7307}}` under extreme duress. It acknowledges that there are limits to human endurance.
### Summary
In summary, **qôtser** `{{H7115}}` is a highly specific term for the profound anguish and impatience born from intense hardship. Its sole use in [[Exodus 6:9]] is a poignant illustration of a people so broken by "cruel bondage" that their "shortness of spirit" rendered them unable to grasp the promise of their own liberation. The word serves as a key insight into the biblical understanding of how suffering can impact one's ability to hear and respond to God.
TRV