from an unused root (probably meaning to weigh out); an ingot (as definitely estimated and stamped for a coin); piece of money (silver).
Transliteration:qᵉsîyṭâh
Pronunciation:kes-ee-taw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *qᵉsîyṭâh* (H7192) derives from an unused root, which is generally understood to convey the meaning "to weigh out." This etymological root is crucial for understanding its primary semantic range: a measured, standardized unit of value. The base definition describes it as "an ingot (as definitely estimated and stamped for a coin)" or a "piece of money (silver)." This suggests that *qᵉsîyṭâh* was not merely an arbitrary piece of metal, but a carefully weighed and perhaps even marked quantity, serving as an early form of currency. It represents a tangible asset, most likely silver, valued for its weight and purity, functioning as a medium of exchange in transactions before the widespread adoption of standardized coinage with fixed denominations. Its meaning thus encompasses both the physical form (an ingot or measured piece) and its function as a recognized unit of monetary value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *qᵉsîyṭâh* (H7192) appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance providing significant contextual insight into its function and value:
1. **[[Genesis 33:19]]**: "And he bought the parcel of ground, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money." Here, Jacob purchases a plot of land near Shechem for 100 *qesitah*. This transaction highlights the *qesitah*'s role as a substantial unit of exchange, capable of acquiring significant property. The act of purchasing land is a foundational one in the patriarchal narratives, signifying ownership and settlement.
2. **[[Joshua 24:32]]**: "And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of money: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph." This verse directly references the purchase made in [[Genesis 33:19]], reinforcing the historical significance of that transaction and the enduring value of the *qesitah* as the currency used. It also connects the land purchase to the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the inheritance of the land.
3. **[[Job 42:11]]**: "Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold." In the aftermath of Job's trials, his friends and relatives each present him with a *qesitah* and a gold ring. This act of giving signifies restitution, comfort, and the restoration of Job's wealth. The *qesitah* here functions as a valuable gift, contributing to Job's renewed prosperity, emphasizing its status as a recognized and appreciated unit of wealth.
Across these occurrences, the *qesitah* consistently represents a valuable, measurable unit of silver used in significant transactions and as a form of valuable gift, underscoring its role as an established medium of exchange in the ancient Near East.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of *qᵉsîyṭâh* (H7192) is illuminated by its connections to several related words and concepts in biblical Hebrew:
* **Weighing and Measurement:** The proposed root meaning "to weigh out" links *qesitah* directly to concepts of precise measurement and value. This connects it to terms like *shaqal* (`{{H8254}}`, "to weigh") and *mishqal* (`{{H4948}}`, "weight"), which are fundamental to understanding ancient economic practices where value was often determined by weight rather than fixed coinage.
* **Silver (כֶּסֶף - *kesef*):** The definition specifies "silver." This immediately connects *qesitah* to *kesef* (`{{H3701}}`), which means both "silver" and "money" in general. While *qesitah* is a specific unit, *kesef* is the material from which it was likely composed, and the broader term for monetary value.
* **Units of Value:** While *qesitah* is distinct, it functions similarly to other units of value mentioned in the Bible, such as the *shekel* (`{{H8255}}`), *mina*, and *talent* (`{{H3603}}`). These terms represent different weights or quantities of precious metals used in trade. The exact equivalence of a *qesitah* to a shekel is not specified, but it clearly falls within the category of standardized units of wealth.
* **Wealth and Prosperity:** As a unit of money, *qesitah* is inherently linked to concepts of wealth (*ʿōsher* `{{H6239}}`), property, and material blessings, particularly as seen in the restoration of Job's fortunes.
### Theological Significance
While *qᵉsîyṭâh* (H7192) is primarily an economic term, its rare appearances carry subtle yet significant theological implications:
* **Divine Provision and Restoration:** In the book of Job, the giving of *qesitah* to Job (along with gold rings) by his family and friends is a tangible sign of God's restoration of his fortunes after his immense suffering. It symbolizes God's gracious provision and blessing, demonstrating that the Lord "blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning" [[Job 42:12]]. This highlights the biblical principle that material prosperity can be a sign of divine favor and recompense for faithfulness.
* **Covenant and Inheritance of Land:** The purchase of land by Jacob with *qesitah* in [[Genesis 33:19]] (reaffirmed in [[Joshua 24:32]]) is deeply significant. It represents an initial, tangible claim to the land promised to Abraham's descendants. This act of acquiring land, even a small parcel, underscores the unfolding of God's covenant promises regarding the inheritance of the land of Canaan. The burial of Joseph's bones in this very plot further sanctifies the land and connects it to the long-awaited fulfillment of the divine promise.
* **Justice and Integrity in Transactions:** The root meaning of "to weigh out" and the description of *qesitah* as "definitely estimated and stamped" implicitly point to a concern for accuracy, fairness, and established standards in economic dealings. While not explicitly teaching about justice, the very nature of such a standardized unit suggests a societal value placed on equitable exchange, aligning with broader biblical commands for honest weights and measures (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:36]], [[Deuteronomy 25:15]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word *qᵉsîyṭâh* (H7192) designates a specific unit of monetary value, likely an ingot or piece of silver, whose worth was determined by precise weighing and perhaps stamping. Its rare but significant appearances in the biblical narrative provide crucial insights into ancient Near Eastern economic practices and carry theological weight. In [[Genesis 33:19]] and [[Joshua 24:32]], the *qesitah* facilitates Jacob's foundational purchase of land, underscoring the themes of covenant, inheritance, and the fulfillment of God's promises. In [[Job 42:11]], it symbolizes divine restoration and blessing, illustrating God's abundant provision for the faithful. As a tangible unit of wealth, the *qesitah* thus serves not merely as an archaic currency, but as a concrete illustration of God's involvement in human affairs, from the establishment of land ownership to the restoration of prosperity, all within a context that implicitly values just and measured exchange.
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