### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H7118}}` (קְצָת, *qᵉtsâth*) fundamentally denotes a "termination" or "end." This core meaning can be understood both literally, referring to a physical boundary or conclusion, and figuratively, indicating the cessation of an event or process. It is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew root often associated with `{{H7097}}` (קֵץ, *qēts*), meaning "end" or "extremity," and `{{H7093}}` (קָצָה, *qātsâh*), "to cut off" or "to make an end."
Beyond its primary sense of "end," `{{H7118}}` also carries an important secondary meaning: "a portion." This semantic extension likely arises from the idea of something being "cut off" or "defined by an end," thereby constituting a distinct part or segment. When used adverbially, often with a prepositional prefix (e.g., *līqᵉtsâth* or *min-qᵉtsâth*), it can signify "after" a certain period or "partly," indicating a division or a limited extent. Thus, its semantic range encompasses finality, division, and temporal or spatial boundaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H7118}}` appears in the Aramaic sections of the biblical text, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently reflects its core and extended meanings:
* **[[Daniel 2:42]]**: "And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle." Here, *min-qᵉtsâth* (מִן־קְצָת֙) is translated "partly," emphasizing the divided and mixed nature of the final kingdom. It denotes a portion or a segment of a whole, highlighting an internal division rather than a complete unity.
* **[[Daniel 4:29]]**: "At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon." In this verse, *līqᵉtsâth* (לִקְצָת֙) signifies a temporal conclusion, "at the end of" a specific period. It marks the precise moment when King Nebuchadnezzar's period of pride and subsequent judgment reached its divinely appointed termination.
* **[[Daniel 7:28]]**: "Here is the end of the matter." Used in conjunction with another Aramaic word for "end" (סוֹף, `{{H5491}}`, *sôp̄*), *qᵉtsātāʾ* (קְצָתָא֙) here reinforces the idea of a comprehensive conclusion or summation of the preceding prophetic vision. It marks the finality and definitive nature of the revealed truth.
* **[[Ezra 4:12]]**: "Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem and are rebuilding the rebellious and wicked city; they are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations." The phrase *mᵉqārîn qᵉtsâth* (מְקָרִין֙ קְצָת֙) translates to "are finishing the end" or "are completing." This usage refers to the termination or completion of a construction project, indicating that the builders are bringing the work to its final stage.
Across these contexts, `{{H7118}}` consistently functions to denote boundaries, whether temporal (the end of a period), conceptual (the end of a matter), or physical (a part of a structure, the completion of a building).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H7118}}` is closely tied to concepts of finality, completion, and division. Its most direct linguistic relatives are its Hebrew cognates:
* `{{H7097}}` (קֵץ, *qēts*): This Hebrew noun frequently means "end," "extremity," or "termination," often in a temporal or eschatological sense (e.g., the "end of days").
* `{{H7093}}` (קָצָה, *qātsâh*): This Hebrew verb means "to cut off," "to end," or "to make an end," providing the root idea of separation or conclusion.
Other related Aramaic terms include:
* `{{H5491}}` (סוֹף, *sôp̄*): Also meaning "end" or "conclusion," as seen in its pairing with `{{H7118}}` in [[Daniel 7:28]]. While both refer to an end, *sôp̄* often emphasizes the ultimate outcome or conclusion, whereas *qᵉtsâth* can also denote a specific point of termination or a distinct portion.
Theologically, these words collectively point to divine sovereignty over time and events, the certainty of prophetic fulfillment, and the ultimate conclusion of all things under God's plan.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H7118}}` in the Aramaic portions of Scripture carry significant theological weight, particularly within the prophetic context of Daniel and the narrative of God's people in Ezra.
1. **Divine Control Over Time and History**: The use of `{{H7118}}` to mark "the end of twelve months" in [[Daniel 4:29]] powerfully underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over all temporal sequences. Even the period of a king's judgment and restoration is precisely timed by divine decree. This emphasizes that human history, with all its kingdoms and events, unfolds according to God's predetermined schedule, moving towards His ultimate "end."
2. **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**: In [[Daniel 7:28]], "the end of the matter" (with `{{H5491}}`) signifies the definitive and conclusive nature of God's prophetic revelations. It assures the reader that the visions of future kingdoms and divine judgment are not speculative but are certain to reach their appointed termination and fulfillment. This instills confidence in the reliability of God's word and His ultimate triumph.
3. **The Nature of Human Kingdoms and Divine Plan**: The description of the kingdom as "partly" (`{{H7118}}`) iron and "partly" clay in [[Daniel 2:42]] highlights the inherent fragmentation and instability of human empires in contrast to God's eternal and unified kingdom. Even in their partial and divided states, these earthly powers serve as instruments in the unfolding of God's overarching plan, leading to the establishment of His perfect dominion.
4. **Divine Enablement in Completing God's Work**: In [[Ezra 4:12]], the reference to "finishing" (literally, "finishing the end") the walls of Jerusalem speaks to the progress and ultimate completion of the work of God's people. Despite opposition, God enables His servants to bring His purposes to fruition, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant and His power to bring about the "end" of His redemptive plans.
### Summary
`{{H7118}}` (קְצָת, *qᵉtsâth*) is an Aramaic term primarily signifying a "termination" or "end," whether literal or figurative. Its semantic range extends to denote a "portion" or "part," and adverbially, "after" a period or "partly." Found in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, its usage consistently marks temporal conclusions (e.g., [[Daniel 4:29]]), the definitive end of matters or visions (e.g., [[Daniel 7:28]]), the partial nature of entities (e.g., [[Daniel 2:42]]), and the completion of tasks (e.g., [[Ezra 4:12]]).
Theologically, `{{H7118}}` underscores God's absolute sovereignty over time and history, the unerring certainty of His prophetic word, and His power to bring His plans to their appointed "end" or completion. It serves as a precise lexical indicator of boundaries and conclusions within the divine narrative, reflecting the order and purpose inherent in God's unfolding will.
TRV