קוּץ

to awake (literally or figuratively)

Definition

The Hebrew verb קוּץ (qûwts) primarily means 'to awake' or 'to rouse oneself.' It describes a literal, physical awakening from sleep, as when David and Abishai find Saul's camp in a deep sleep from the Lord, and they 'awake' the soldiers (1 Samuel 26:12). Figuratively, it often carries a strong sense of stirring to action, especially in the context of God awakening to intervene in human affairs, such as a call for God to 'awake' to help or judge (Psalm 44:23, Psalm 59:5). In a unique eschatological sense, it is used for the dead 'awaking' from their sleep in the dust, pointing to a future resurrection (Job 14:12).

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 22 times, predominantly in poetic and prophetic books like Psalms, Job, and the historical books. Its usage splits between literal awakenings (1 Kings 3:15, 1 Samuel 26:12) and powerful metaphorical calls for divine action. In the Psalms, it is frequently used in laments and imprecatory prayers, pleading for God to 'awake' and not remain silent in the face of injustice or enemy attack (Psalm 35:23, Psalm 44:23). The usage in Job 14:12 is a key theological instance, contemplating the finality of death versus the hope of resurrection.

Etymology

קוּץ is a primitive root. It is considered identical with קוּץ (H6972), which means 'to loathe' or 'to be grieved,' likely connected through the shared idea of a sudden, abrupt movement or reaction—whether waking up suddenly or recoiling in disgust. This connection highlights the verb's inherent sense of a sharp, decisive transition from one state to another. The related verb יָקַץ (yaqats, H3364) is a direct synonym also meaning 'to awake.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges human experience with divine action. It captures the biblical tension between God's perceived silence and His promised intervention. The plea for God to 'awake' is a raw expression of faith that He is ultimately sovereign and responsive. Most profoundly, its use in Job 14:12 engages with the foundational hope of resurrection, showing an early grappling with life beyond the grave. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing that biblical 'awakening' is often a call for a decisive, transformative act, not merely a return to consciousness.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, sleep was often a metaphor for inactivity, helplessness, or even death. A call for a deity to 'awake' was a common motif in surrounding lament literature, reflecting a worldview where gods could be perceived as distant or sleeping. The biblical use of this motif subverts it, affirming Yahweh's ultimate vigilance and power while authentically expressing the human feeling of His temporary hiddenness.

יָקַץ (yaqats, H3364) — A near synonym also meaning 'to awake,' used in similar literal and figurative contexts. עוּר (ʿuwr, H5782) — To stir up, awake, or excite; often used for rousing to battle or action, with a stronger connotation of incitement. שָׁכַב (shakav, H7901) — To lie down, sleep, or rest; provides the contrasting state from which one 'awakens' (qûwts).

Word Details

Scripture References