Topical Encyclopedia The term "cutting-off" in the Bible often refers to the act of being separated or removed from a community or covenant relationship, typically as a form of divine judgment or punishment. This concept appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, "cutting-off" is frequently associated with the Mosaic Law, where it denotes the severing of an individual from the people of Israel due to certain transgressions. This could imply either a literal death penalty or a form of excommunication. For instance, in Genesis 17:14, God commands that any male who is not circumcised "shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant." Here, the cutting-off signifies exclusion from the covenant community due to disobedience. Leviticus provides numerous examples where cutting-off is prescribed as a penalty for various sins. Leviticus 20:3 states, "I will set My face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given some of his offspring to Molech, so as to defile My sanctuary and profane My holy name." This passage highlights the seriousness of idolatry and the resulting divine judgment. Prophetic Writings The prophets also speak of cutting-off in the context of divine judgment against nations and individuals. In Isaiah 9:14, the Lord declares, "So the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed in a single day." This metaphorical language indicates a comprehensive judgment against the leadership and people of Israel due to their rebellion. Ezekiel 14:8 further illustrates this concept: "I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people. Then you will know that I am the LORD." Here, cutting-off serves as a means to demonstrate God's sovereignty and justice. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the idea of cutting-off is less frequently mentioned but remains significant in understanding the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining in Christ. Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches in John 15:2, saying, "He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes to make it even more fruitful." This passage emphasizes the necessity of spiritual fruitfulness and the potential for removal if one does not abide in Christ. Paul, in his epistles, also alludes to the concept of cutting-off in a spiritual sense. In Romans 11:22, he warns the Gentiles, "Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off." This serves as a reminder of the conditional nature of remaining in God's favor. Theological Implications Theologically, cutting-off underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience and faithfulness are paramount. The concept serves as a warning against apostasy and a call to repentance and restoration. Throughout Scripture, the ultimate goal of divine discipline, including cutting-off, is to bring about repentance and reconciliation with God. Greek 4059. peritemno -- to cut around, circumcise ... 4059 (from 4012 , "all-around" and , "cut off") -- ; figuratively) cutting off the "old life," in favor of the which is ( Seed). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4059.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 1824. domi -- cessation, a pause, a quiet, a rest... cutting off, rest, silence. Or domiy {dom-ee'}; from damah; quiet -- cutting off, rest, silence. see HEBREW damah. 1823, 1824. domi. 1825 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/1824.htm - 6k 7096. qatsah -- to cut off 6970. Qoa -- enemies of Jer. Library None of These Answers Will You Give Us. You Turn to Other Things ... That Bishops are to Abstain from all Receiving of Gifts. I Desire to Die. Whether in Some Cases it May be Lawful to Maim Anyone? General Service to a Nun-Martyr. Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3 Herod is Made Procurator of all Syria; Malichus is Afraid of Him ... All Saints' Day, or St Ursula's Day Lo! Death was Prompt Beforehand, to Mock Satan On Sin and Its Kinds Thesaurus Cutting-off (1 Occurrence)Cutting-off. Cutting-instruments, Cutting-off. Cuttings . Multi-Version Concordance Cutting-off (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ... /c/cutting-off.htm - 6k Skirts (23 Occurrences) Cuttings (5 Occurrences) Cutting (178 Occurrences) Blow (124 Occurrences) Cut (616 Occurrences) Chins (2 Occurrences) Sea-land (5 Occurrences) Shaving (2 Occurrences) Judith (1 Occurrence) Resources Are there beheadings recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy were infants dashed to pieces (Nahum 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Tribulation? How do we know the Tribulation will last seven years? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cutting-off (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 3:24 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |