from קָרַץ; extirpation (as if by constriction); destruction.
Transliteration:qerets
Pronunciation:keh'-rets
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קֶרֶץ (qerets), Strong's `{{H7171}}`, is derived from the verbal root קָרַץ (qarats), Strong's `{{H7169}}`. The root קָרַץ primarily conveys the idea of 'to pinch,' 'to nip,' 'to bite,' 'to contract,' or 'to wink' (a contraction of the eye). As a noun, קֶרֶץ therefore signifies an act of 'extirpation' or 'destruction.' The underlying nuance suggested by its root is one of a sudden, forceful, and decisive termination, akin to being 'pinched off' or 'cut short.' The base definition "as if by constriction" further emphasizes this sense of a sharp, perhaps violent, and unavoidable end, rather than a gradual decay or dissolution. It implies a swift removal or annihilation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the noun קֶרֶץ (qerets), `{{H7171}}`, does not appear in the standard Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. While some concordances or lexical aids may associate `{{H7171}}` with [[Proverbs 16:30]], the word found in that verse is קֹרֵץ (qorets), which is the participle form of the verb קָרַץ `{{H7169}}`. [[Proverbs 16:30]] reads: "He who winks with his eyes plans perverse things; he who compresses his lips brings evil to pass." Here, קֹרֵץ describes the action of "compressing" or "pinching" the lips, a physical manifestation of devious intent leading to harm. Thus, while `{{H7171}}` is a theoretical noun derived from `{{H7169}}`, its absence as a standalone word in the biblical text means its meaning must be understood primarily through its root and the broader semantic field of destruction and judgment. The concept of being "cut off" or "extirpated" is, however, abundantly present in Scripture, often expressed through other, more common, Hebrew verbs of destruction or separation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root קָרַץ `{{H7169}}`, from which קֶרֶץ `{{H7171}}` is derived. This verb appears in contexts describing physical contractions (e.g., winking the eye, pinching the lips) or more abstract notions of quick, decisive action. Other Hebrew terms conveying similar concepts of destruction or termination include:
* כָּרַת (karat) `{{H3772}}`: 'to cut off,' 'to make a covenant' (by cutting sacrifices), often used in contexts of divine judgment where individuals or peoples are "cut off" from life or community.
* שָׁמַד (shamad) `{{H8045}}`: 'to destroy,' 'to annihilate,' frequently used for the complete destruction of nations or idols.
* אָבַד (avad) `{{H6}}`: 'to perish,' 'to be lost,' 'to be destroyed,' often referring to the disappearance or ruin of something.
* הָרַס (haras) `{{H2040}}`: 'to tear down,' 'to break down,' 'to destroy,' often in reference to structures or systems.
The concept of קֶרֶץ `{{H7171}}` as an "extirpation by constriction" aligns with these words in conveying a definitive end, yet it carries the unique nuance of a sharp, decisive 'pinching off' that is inherent in its root.
### Theological Significance
Although קֶרֶץ `{{H7171}}` does not appear as a distinct noun in the biblical text, the concept of "extirpation" or "destruction" it represents holds profound theological significance. Derived from a root implying a swift, decisive action, קֶרֶץ points to the absolute sovereignty of God over life and death, creation and destruction. The idea of being "pinched off" or "cut short" speaks to the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, often resulting in being separated from His presence, blessing, or even life itself. This aligns with the biblical theme of divine judgment, where the wicked are "cut off" from the land or from the assembly of the righteous. It underscores the severity of divine justice, where the end is not always gradual but can be sudden and definitive, reflecting the immediate and powerful nature of God's righteous wrath against evil. Furthermore, it implies a purification, where that which is corrupt or harmful is decisively removed, allowing for the flourishing of that which is good.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קֶרֶץ (qerets), `{{H7171}}`, is a noun derived from the verb קָרַץ `{{H7169}}`, signifying 'extirpation' or 'destruction' with the nuance of a sudden, decisive 'pinching off' or 'constriction.' While the noun `{{H7171}}` itself does not occur in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, its meaning is extrapolated from its verbal root, which describes actions like winking or compressing. The concept of a swift, definitive end or removal, inherent in קֶרֶץ, is a pervasive theological theme in Scripture, reflecting God's justice, judgment, and sovereign power to bring about an end to wickedness and to purify His creation.
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