Lexical Summary qetseb: Wrath, rage, indignation Original Word: קֶצֶב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bottom, size From qatsab; shape (as if cut out); base (as if there cut off) -- bottom, size. see HEBREW qatsab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qatsab Definition a cut, shape, extremity NASB Translation form (2), roots (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs קֶ֫צֶב noun masculine1Kings 6:25 1 cut, shape; 2 extremity; — 1 ׳ק absolute, shape of cherubim 1 Kings 6:25 ( + מִדָּה), of bases 1 Kings 7:37 (+ id.). 2 extremity, plural construct קִצְבֵי הָרִים Jonah 2:7 the extremities (bottoms) of (the) mountains ( = קצבי הרים Ecclus 16:19). Topical Lexicon Concept Summary קֶצֶב (qetseb) denotes a defined shape, size, or extremity—a portion that has been precisely cut off or measured out. Scripture employs the word both for tangible dimensions in sacred architecture and for the farthest reaches of creation, thereby uniting themes of divine order and limit. Occurrences and Contexts 1 Kings 6:25 – the uniform “size and shape” of the gilded cherubim within the inner sanctuary. 1 Kings 7:37 – the identical “dimensions and shape” of the ten bronze stands in the temple court. Jonah 2:6 – the “roots (extremities) of the mountains” beneath the sea, reached by the prophet in his distress. Architectural Precision in Solomon’s Temple Twice in the narrative of Solomon’s building project קֶצֶב underscores meticulous uniformity. The cherubim guarding the Most Holy Place were “of the same size and shape” (1 Kings 6:25), and the wheeled stands for the lavers shared “the same casting, dimensions, and shape” (1 Kings 7:37). Temple worship required exact correspondence to God-given patterns (compare Exodus 25:9). קֶצֶב therefore signals more than craftsmanship; it reflects covenant faithfulness, reminding Israel that acceptable worship rests on obedience to God’s precise revelation. Symbolic Significance in Temple Worship The cherubim’s matching stature symbolized harmony between heaven and earth: angelic guardians displaying perfect correspondence to the divine blueprint. The identical laver stands guaranteed equal access to cleansing water for priests ministering on every side of the court, picturing the impartial holiness of God (Leviticus 10:3). קֶצֶב thus speaks of measured grace—God provides exactly what is needed, where it is needed, and in the form He ordains. Depths of the Ocean in Jonah In the Psalm of Jonah הקצבי הרים, “the roots of the mountains,” depict the lowest imaginable boundaries of the created order. The prophet laments, “To the roots of the mountains I descended” (Jonah 2:6). Even at that extreme limit God remains sovereign: “But You raised my life from the pit, O LORD my God!” The term, here rendered “roots,” keeps its sense of farthest limit or measured end; it represents the point beyond human reach yet still within God’s governance. Theological Themes 1. Divine Order: קֶצֶב affirms that God assigns both form and boundary (Job 38:10–11). Practical Ministry Reflections • Faithful ministry values accuracy—both in doctrine and practice—mirroring the temple’s exact קֶצֶב. Related Scripture for Further Study Exodus 25:40; Job 38:4-6; Proverbs 8:29; Isaiah 40:12-14; Revelation 21:15-17. Forms and Transliterations וְקֶ֥צֶב וקצב לְקִצְבֵ֤י לקצבי קֶ֥צֶב קצב Ketzev lə·qiṣ·ḇê lekitzVei ləqiṣḇê qe·ṣeḇ qeṣeḇ veKetzev wə·qe·ṣeḇ wəqeṣeḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 6:25 HEB: מִדָּ֥ה אַחַ֛ת וְקֶ֥צֶב אֶחָ֖ד לִשְׁנֵ֥י NAS: measure and the same form. KJV: measure and one size. INT: measure the same form and the same both 1 Kings 7:37 Jonah 2:6 3 Occurrences |
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