Lexical Summary qetsats: Cutting, end, extremity Original Word: קְצַץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cut off (Aramaic) corresponding to qatsats -- cut off. see HEBREW qatsats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to qatsats Definition cut off NASB Translation cut off (1). Topical Lexicon Root Idea and ImageryThe verb קְצַץ carries the vivid picture of cutting, cropping, or lopping off. Scripture uses it in Daniel 4:14 when the angelic “watcher” commands, “Cut down the tree and lop off its branches; strip its leaves and scatter its fruit” (Berean Standard Bible). The act is decisive, visible, and public; it signals an abrupt end decreed from Heaven. Context in Daniel Nebuchadnezzar’s dream features a colossal tree representing the Babylonian king’s vast dominion and prosperity. The sudden order to “cut down” the tree announces divine intervention that humbles earthly pride. Daniel interprets the dream as a temporary but total removal of royal power (Daniel 4:25). Thus קְצַץ becomes a theological marker that God alone “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Symbolism of Cutting in Scripture 1. Judgment on Pride: Isaiah 10:33–34 speaks of the “cutting down” of arrogant Assyria. קְצַץ in Daniel harmonizes with this pattern: whenever human ambition overreaches, God may figuratively take the axe to the tree. 2. Purification and Pruning: John 15:2 records Jesus saying, “He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit.” While a different Greek term is used, the conceptual parallel underscores that cutting can serve restorative ends, preparing for renewed growth. 3. Eschatological Finality: Revelation 18:21 describes the angel casting a millstone to portray Babylon’s sudden fall. Daniel’s use of קְצַץ foreshadows this ultimate, irrevocable judgment on the world system opposed to God. Historical Background In the Ancient Near East, kings often likened themselves to mighty trees, offering shelter to peoples and animals (cf. Assyrian inscriptions). The Babylonian Empire prided itself on stability, yet Daniel records the Most High’s verdict through the action of קְצַץ. Historian Berossus confirms Nebuchadnezzar’s period of absence from rule, aligning with the Biblical narrative. Theological Themes • Sovereignty: The verb magnifies God’s uncontested authority. No earthly greatness is beyond His reach. • Mercy within Judgment: The stump is left bound with iron and bronze “with the tender grass of the field” (Daniel 4:15). Cutting is severe, yet not annihilation; restoration is envisaged once humility is learned. • Covenant Continuity: Just as Israel endured pruning through exile yet was not eradicated, so Nebuchadnezzar experiences personal exile but later praises “the King of Heaven” (Daniel 4:37). God’s redemptive purposes persist amid discipline. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching on Humility: קְצַץ invites congregations to examine hidden pride. Illustrations from leadership, business, or personal success can bridge ancient text and modern life. 2. Spiritual Formation: Encourage periodic “pruning” practices—Sabbath rest, confession, simplicity—to avoid forced humbling. 3. Counseling: For those facing sudden reversals, Daniel 4 frames such experiences as opportunities for recognizing God’s hand and receiving grace. Christological Reflection Jesus, the true Tree of Life (Revelation 22:2), was Himself “cut off out of the land of the living” (Isaiah 53:8) yet rose in vindication. Through His death and resurrection, the negative connotation of קְצַץ is transformed: judgment falls on Him so restoration may come to all who believe. Missional Implications The Gospel confronts human empires with the same truth spoken to Babylon: lasting security is found only under God’s reign. Mission work therefore proclaims both the warning of קְצַץ and the hope of the stump left for new growth in Christ. Forms and Transliterations וְקַצִּ֣צוּ וקצצו vekatzTzitzu wə·qaṣ·ṣi·ṣū wəqaṣṣiṣūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:14 HEB: גֹּ֤דּוּ אִֽילָנָא֙ וְקַצִּ֣צוּ עַנְפ֔וֹהִי אַתַּ֥רוּ NAS: the tree and cut off its branches, KJV: the tree, and cut off his branches, INT: Chop the tree and cut branches Strip 1 Occurrence |
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