### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7518}}` (rats) is defined as "a fragment" or "piece." Its etymological root is crucial for understanding its full semantic range, as it is a contraction of `{{H7517}}` (ratsats), meaning "to crush," "to break in pieces," or "to oppress." Therefore, `{{H7518}}` does not merely signify any arbitrary piece, but specifically a *fragment resulting from a violent breaking or crushing action*. This imbues the term with connotations of damage, destruction, and the sharp, potentially dangerous remnants of something shattered. Its semantic range thus encompasses broken shards, splinters, or jagged pieces, emphasizing the consequence of forceful impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7518}}` (rats) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the highly descriptive and poetic book of Job.
* **[[Job 41:30]]**: "Under him are sharp potsherds; he spreads himself like a threshing sledge on the mire." In this verse, `{{H7518}}` is translated as "sharp potsherds" or "jagged pieces." The context is a vivid portrayal of Leviathan, a formidable and terrifying creature, often understood as a symbol of untamed chaos and immense power. The "sharp potsherds" refer to the creature's underside, implying a rough, cutting surface that leaves indelible marks, much like a threshing sledge dragging across soft ground. This single occurrence powerfully conveys the destructive and unyielding nature of Leviathan. The fragments are not mere debris but active instruments of its crushing impact, leaving a trail of destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root from which `{{H7518}}` is derived:
* **`{{H7517}}` (ratsats)**: This verb means "to crush," "to break," "to oppress," or "to bruise." Its usage in the Old Testament often carries strong connotations of violence, judgment, or overwhelming force. For example, in [[Psalm 74:14]], God is depicted as crushing the heads of Leviathan (though a different term for Leviathan is used there), and in [[Isaiah 42:3]], the Messiah is prophesied not to "break" (ratsats) a bruised reed, highlighting His gentle nature in contrast to destructive power. The direct link between `{{H7518}}` and `{{H7517}}` underscores that the "fragment" is a product of crushing force, not a mere separation.
Other related concepts, though not directly derived, include:
* **`{{H6895}}` (qesem)**: A "fragment" or "shred," as seen in [[1 Samuel 15:28]] where Samuel tears a "piece" from Saul's robe. While also denoting a "piece," qesem does not inherently carry the connotation of being *crushed* or *shattered* by force, distinguishing it from `{{H7518}}`.
* **`{{H6891}}` (qatsats)**: "To cut off, to sever." Again, a "piece" resulting from a cutting action, rather than a crushing one.
The concept of "brokenness," "destruction," and "remnants of power/violence" are intrinsically tied to `{{H7518}}`.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, `{{H7518}}` (rats) carries significant theological weight due to its etymological connection to `{{H7517}}` (ratsats), "to crush." In the context of [[Job 41:30]], the "sharp potsherds" of Leviathan symbolize the formidable, destructive power of forces that are beyond human control and comprehension. Leviathan itself is often interpreted as a representation of primeval chaos, evil, or the limits of human understanding in the face of divine sovereignty. The "fragments" left by Leviathan are not signs of weakness but rather testaments to its overwhelming might and the lasting, dangerous impact it leaves.
Theologically, this highlights:
1. **The Reality of Destructive Power**: The world contains forces of immense destructive capability, both natural and spiritual, which leave behind "sharp fragments" in their wake.
2. **God's Sovereignty Over Chaos**: Even such terrifying and powerful entities as Leviathan, capable of leaving "sharp potsherds," are ultimately within God's creative and sovereign domain. The detailed description in Job 41 serves to magnify God's power by contrasting it with the most fearsome of His creations.
3. **The Nature of Consequences**: The "fragments" can also be seen as the sharp, enduring consequences of powerful, often chaotic, actions.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7518}}` (rats) denotes a "fragment" or "piece," specifically one that results from a crushing or shattering action, directly linking it to its root `{{H7517}}` (ratsats), "to crush." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Job 41:30]] powerfully describes the sharp, dangerous underside of Leviathan, symbolizing the creature's immense and destructive power. Theologically, `{{H7518}}` underscores the formidable nature of chaotic or destructive forces, even in their "fragmented" state, and implicitly points to God's ultimate dominion over all creation, including such terrifying entities. The "sharp potsherds" serve as a vivid and reverent image of the profound and often dangerous impact of overwhelming power.
TRV