Lexical Summary qenets: Band, bundle, or knot Original Word: קֶנֶץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance end From an unused root probably meaning to wrench; perversion -- end. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a snare, net NASB Translation hunt* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [קֵ֫נֶץ noun [masculine] snare, net (si vera lectio); — plural construct (Ges§ 130a) עַדאָֿ֫נָה תְּשִׂימוּן קִנְצֵי לְמִלִּין Job 18:2 how long will ye lay snares for words (catch at words, talk without knowledge)? so Castle JDMich and most, but sense strange; Vrss translate end, so Thes and others (explanation קנצי [very dubious] as Aramaic), read then קֵץ (with singular verb, after ᵐ5), Me Bi Siegf Du, and strike out עַדאָֿנָה Du. Topical Lexicon OverviewThe noun קֶנֶץ appears once in the Hebrew canon, in Job 18:2, where Bildad challenges Job to bring his speech to a close so that genuine dialogue may begin. Though rare, the term conveys the idea of terminating, severing, or drawing a decisive line under a flow of words. Its solitary occurrence invites careful reflection on the value Scripture places on measured speech, listening, and the proper boundaries of human discourse before God. Canonical Context Job 18 records the second speech of Bildad the Shuhite. In verse 2 he laments Job’s prolonged defense: “When will you end these words? Consider, and then we can talk” (Berean Standard Bible). By employing קֶנֶץ, Bildad frames his exhortation as a call for closure—a rhetorical plea for Job to restrain further argument so that divine justice (as Bildad understands it) may be vindicated. The word functions as a hinge in the dialogue: only when Job’s torrent of words ceases can Bildad proceed with what he assumes is a more reasoned presentation of truth. Literary and Historical Significance 1. Wisdom Literature Setting In ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, disputations aimed at uncovering the order of the world and the causes of suffering. Limiting speech was a recognized discipline; uncontrolled verbosity was viewed as threatening social harmony and obscuring truth. By inserting קֶנֶץ, the author of Job situates Bildad within this philosophical milieu, showing him appealing to a shared cultural value: there is a point when talk must stop so that reflection may start. 2. Dialogue Dynamics in Job The single use of קֶנֶץ highlights the mounting tension between Job and his friends. Each cycle of speeches grows longer and more heated. Bildad’s appeal for an “end” underscores frustration with Job’s refusal to accept conventional retributive theology. The very rarity of the term magnifies its rhetorical force, warning that the friends’ patience—and their ability to represent God accurately—is wearing thin. Theological Implications 1. The Boundary of Human Speech Scripture affirms both the gift and the limits of language. Job’s expansive lamentation is met with Bildad’s plea for an end, foreshadowing the Lord’s own decisive response from the whirlwind (Job 38–41). The trajectory of the book moves from human words to divine revelation, reminding believers that ultimate answers come not from debating one another indefinitely but from submitting to God’s final word. 2. Wisdom on Restraint Other passages echo this emphasis: קֶנֶץ stands as Old Testament confirmation that restraint is integral to wisdom. Practical Application for Ministry 1. Preaching and Teaching Faithful exposition requires both proclaiming truth and recognizing when enough has been said. Ministers can model this by limiting unnecessary speculation, allowing Scripture to speak, and providing space for congregational reflection. 2. Pastoral Counseling Listening often outweighs talking. Counselors who sense repeated arguments spiraling may graciously, as Bildad attempted, invite a pause so that hearts can process truth and the Spirit can work. 3. Corporate Worship Liturgies that balance proclamation with silence acknowledge the biblical rhythm of speech and stillness, fostering attentiveness to God’s voice. Connection with New Testament Themes The concern for an “end of words” finds fulfillment in Christ, the incarnate Word, whose life and teaching provide the decisive revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-2). His statement, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37), affirms that speech has eternal consequences and therefore must be bounded by reverence. Paul likewise urges that speech be “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6), guarding against empty verbosity (Ephesians 5:6). Conclusion Though קֶנֶץ appears only once, its significance reverberates through the biblical witness. It signals the moment when human discourse should yield to contemplation, humility, and ultimately to God’s definitive word. In personal devotion, public ministry, and communal life, the call to bring speech to a timely close remains an enduring act of wisdom and faith. Forms and Transliterations קִנְצֵ֣י קנצי kinTzei qin·ṣê qinṣêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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