The Hebrew word qᵉtsâth, represented by H7117, is a term used to signify a termination or a portion. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Based on its derivation, it can mean an end, part, or some of something, either literally or figuratively.
In the biblical narrative, H7117 is used to define both a specific quantity and a point in time. It describes a fraction of a whole, as when Nebuchadnezzar's forces carried away only a part of the vessels from the house of God Daniel 1:2. It is also used to denote a portion of a group, such as when some of the heads of families contributed to the work in Jerusalem Nehemiah 7:70. In the book of Daniel, the word is repeatedly used to mark the end of a designated period of testing or training (Daniel 1:5, Daniel 1:15, Daniel 1:18).
Several related words provide context for the settings in which H7117 appears:
- H214 'ôwtsâr (a depository; armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y)): This word is used for the treasure house where the "part" H7117 of the vessels from God's house were taken Daniel 1:2. It often refers to a place of storage or wealth, whether worldly or divine.
- H6598 pathbag (a dainty; portion (provision) of meat): This Persian-derived term describes the king's rich food, which Daniel and his friends refused. The success of their alternative diet was assessed at the "end" H7117 of a ten-day period Daniel 1:15.
- H1697 dâbâr (a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing): In Daniel, this word is used for the daily provision from the king. The young men were to be nourished this way for three years, at the "end" H7117 of which they would be presented to the king Daniel 1:5.
The narrative weight of H7117 comes from its ability to set precise boundaries for key events.
- Framing Periods of Trial: In Daniel, the word is crucial for marking the beginning and end of divinely significant tests. The outcome at the "end" of ten days Daniel 1:15 and three years Daniel 1:5 demonstrates God's faithfulness over the world's supposed wisdom and provision.
- Defining a Limited Scope: By specifying that only a "part" of the temple vessels were taken Daniel 1:2 or that "some of" the fathers gave Nehemiah 7:70, the word highlights that these actions are partial, not total. This can imply a preserved remnant or an incomplete despoiling.
- Marking a Moment of Judgment: The use of "end" consistently points toward a moment of assessment. At the "end" of the appointed days, Daniel and his friends are brought before the authorities for evaluation (Daniel 1:15, Daniel 1:18), proving the value of their faithfulness.
In summary, H7117 is a specific term that, while appearing infrequently, plays a significant role in its contexts. It functions to establish clear limits, whether of a physical portion or a temporal duration. Through its use in books like Daniel and Nehemiah, it frames pivotal moments of trial, offering, and judgment, showing how God's purposes unfold within specific, defined parameters.
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