קָשַׁשׁ

qâshash /kaw-shash'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto become sapless through drought; used only as denominative from קַשׁ; to forage for straw, stubble or wood; figuratively, to assemble
KJV usagegather (selves) (together).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word qâshash, represented by H7197, is a primitive root. Its core meaning relates to becoming sapless through drought, but it is used as a denominative to mean foraging for straw, stubble, or wood. Figuratively, it means to assemble or gather. It appears 8 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H7197 is used in both literal and figurative contexts. Its most frequent use is literal, describing the gathering of basic materials. The Israelites were forced to gather stubble for making bricks in Egypt (Exodus 5:7, Exodus 5:12). The word is also used to describe individuals gathering sticks for a fire, as seen with the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:10, 1 Kings 17:12) and the man who violated the Sabbath Numbers 15:32. Figuratively, the word is used as a command for a nation to gather itself together, as seen in the prophetic call in Zephaniah 2:1.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words appear alongside H7197, providing a fuller context for the action of gathering:

  • H4672 mâtsâʼ (to find or acquire): This word is used when the man gathering sticks on the Sabbath was found Numbers 15:32 and again when those who found him brought him to the congregation Numbers 15:33.
  • H6327 pûwts (to disperse or scatter): This term is used in direct connection with gathering. In Egypt, the people were scattered abroad specifically to gather stubble, showing the difficulty of their task Exodus 5:12.
  • H7126 qârab (to approach or bring near): After the man was found gathering sticks, he was brought before Moses and Aaron for judgment Numbers 15:33, linking the act of gathering to the consequence of being brought to justice.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7197 is demonstrated through its context. While a simple verb, its application carries significant meaning.

  • A Call to Assembly: The word is used figuratively in a command for a "nation not desired" to gather itself together Zephaniah 2:1. This implies a summons for collective reflection or repentance in the face of impending judgment.
  • An Act of Disobedience: The act of gathering sticks becomes a capital crime when performed on the Sabbath Numbers 15:32. This illustrates how even a mundane task of survival can represent a serious violation of divine law, highlighting the importance of obedience.
  • A Depiction of Desperation: For the widow of Zarephath, gathering two sticks is an act of finality and desperation before she and her son expect to die from famine 1 Kings 17:12. Here, gathering underscores a state of extreme poverty and hopelessness.

Summary

In summary, H7197 is a word whose significance is defined by its context. Literally, it denotes the simple, often arduous, task of foraging for materials like straw and wood (Exodus 5:12, 1 Kings 17:10). Figuratively, it elevates to a command for a nation to assemble Zephaniah 2:1. Whether describing an act of forced labor, a violation of sacred time, or a desperate attempt at survival, qâshash demonstrates how a basic human action can carry profound biblical and theological importance.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Piel Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Hithpael Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Piel Participle Singular Feminine Absolute 1×
  • Piel Participle Singular Feminine Construct 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 7 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Exodus (2 verses).

2
Exodus
2
Numbers
2
1 Kings
1
Zephaniah

Verse Explorer

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