from קָצָה; a termination (literally or figuratively); also (by implication) a portion; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after; end, part, [idiom] some.
Transliteration:qᵉtsâth
Pronunciation:kets-awth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7117 (קְצָת, qᵉtsâth) is derived from the root verb `{{H7096}}` (קָצָה, qatsah), meaning "to cut off" or "to cut short." This etymological root provides the foundational semantic range for qᵉtsâth. Primarily, it denotes a "termination" or "end," whether in a literal or figurative sense.
By implication of something being "cut off," qᵉtsâth also signifies a "portion" or "part." This usage highlights a segment or division of a larger whole. When used with a prepositional prefix, particularly מִ (min, "from"), it can function adverbially to mean "after" or "at the end of" a specified period, or "some of" a quantity. Thus, its semantic range encompasses concepts of completion, boundary, division, and temporal sequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7117 appears in various contexts, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Portion/Part:** In the distribution of spoils after battle, qᵉtsâth frequently denotes a "portion" or "part." For instance, in [[Numbers 31:27]], [[Numbers 31:30]], [[Numbers 31:36]], [[Numbers 31:42]], [[Numbers 31:43]], and [[Numbers 31:47]], it refers to the division of plunder among the warriors and the congregation. Similarly, [[Daniel 1:2]] speaks of Nebuchadnezzar taking "some" (מִקְצָת) of the vessels from the house of God, and [[Daniel 11:35]] mentions "some" (מִקְצָת) of the wise stumbling.
* **End/Extremity (Spatial):** qᵉtsâth can delineate a geographical "end" or "extremity." In [[Joshua 15:5]], it marks the "end" of the border of Judah, extending to the Jordan. Similar usage is found in [[Joshua 18:12]], [[Joshua 18:14]], and [[Joshua 18:19]] describing tribal boundaries.
* **End/Termination (Temporal):** In the book of Daniel, qᵉtsâth often marks the "end" of a specific time period. For example, [[Daniel 1:5]], [[Daniel 1:15]], and [[Daniel 1:18]] use the phrase "at the end of" (מִקְצָת) to indicate the completion of the three-year training period for Daniel and his companions.
* **Figurative End/Sum:** In [[Psalm 139:17]], the phrase "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!" uses qᵉtsâth (קְצָתָם) to convey the incomprehensible *totality* or *end* of God's thoughts, implying their immense number beyond human reckoning.
* **Consequence/Outcome:** [[Proverbs 14:13]] states, "Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end (קְצָתָהּ) of joy may be grief." Here, qᵉtsâth signifies the ultimate outcome or termination of a state, highlighting the transient nature of worldly pleasure.
* **Idiomatic Usage:** [[2 Samuel 10:4]] describes Hanun cutting off the garments of David's servants "in the middle, at their hips" (חֲצִי קְצָתָם). This idiomatic use refers to cutting them off at their "extremity" or "end," specifically their lower parts, resulting in extreme humiliation.
### Related Words & Concepts
H7117 is deeply connected to its root verb `{{H7096}}` (קָצָה, qatsah, "to cut off"). It also shares significant semantic overlap with `{{H7097}}` (קֶצֶה, qetseh), another noun derived from `{{H7096}}`, which also means "end," "border," or "extremity." While both qᵉtsâth and qetseh denote an end or boundary, qᵉtsâth often carries the additional nuance of a *portion* or *result* of a cutting off, particularly in its plural or construct forms, and is frequently used adverbially.
Concepts related to qᵉtsâth include:
* **Division and Distribution:** As seen in the allocation of spoils.
* **Boundaries and Limits:** Both spatial (land borders) and temporal (end of a period).
* **Completion and Finality:** The termination of an event or state.
* **Human Limitation:** The inability to grasp the full "sum" of divine thoughts.
### Theological Significance
The various uses of H7117 offer several theological insights:
* **Divine Order and Sovereignty:** The designation of "ends" and "portions" often reflects God's meticulous ordering of the world. In the distribution of land or spoils, it underscores the divine prerogative in establishing boundaries and allocating resources. Even in the seemingly random events of life, there is an "end" or consequence, reflecting an underlying divine order.
* **The Nature of Time:** The temporal use of qᵉtsâth in Daniel highlights God's sovereignty over time. Periods of training, testing, or waiting have a defined "end," indicating that God's plans unfold according to His precise timing, leading to a predetermined outcome.
* **Human Finitude and Divine Transcendence:** The usage in [[Psalm 139:17]] is particularly profound. The "end" or "sum" of God's thoughts being vast beyond comprehension emphasizes the infinite wisdom and knowledge of God, contrasting sharply with the finite capacity of human understanding. This fosters humility and reverence before the Creator.
* **The Fleeting Nature of Worldly Experiences:** In [[Proverbs 14:13]], the "end" of joy being grief serves as a theological caution against placing ultimate hope in transient earthly pleasures. It subtly points to the ultimate sorrow that can accompany a life devoid of deeper, more enduring joy found in God.
### Summary
H7117 (קְצָת, qᵉtsâth) is a versatile Hebrew term fundamentally rooted in the concept of "cutting off," leading to meanings of "termination," "end," and "portion." Its usage in the Old Testament ranges from literal geographical boundaries and divisions of material goods to temporal markers and figurative expressions of totality or consequence. Theologically, qᵉtsâth underscores God's meticulous order in creation and history, His sovereignty over time, the vastness of His wisdom beyond human comprehension, and the transient nature of worldly experiences, thereby inviting a posture of humility and reverence before the divine.
TRV