Bible Word Study
קְצָת
qᵉtsâth · null
קְצָת
Definition
The noun קְצָת (qᵉtsâth) refers to a 'part' or 'portion' of something, often implying a limited or incomplete section. In Daniel 2:42, it describes the 'partly' strong and 'partly' brittle nature of the statue's feet, emphasizing a mixed composition. In Daniel 4:29, it denotes the 'end' or 'conclusion' of a period of time, specifically the end of Nebuchadnezzar's prosperity. The same sense of a temporal endpoint is found in Daniel 4:34, marking the conclusion of his madness and the restoration of his reason.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel. Its usage consistently relates to limitation or division, whether of a physical substance (Daniel 2:42) or a period of time (Daniel 4:29, 34). It highlights partiality, incompleteness, or a definitive boundary.
Etymology
קְצָת is an Aramaic noun directly corresponding to the Hebrew word קְצָת (H7117), which also means 'end' or 'part'. Both derive from a root (קָצָה) meaning 'to cut off' or 'to determine', conveying the idea of a defined limit or a severed piece.
Semantic Range
This word underscores God's sovereignty over time and human affairs. In Daniel, it marks divinely appointed boundaries—both the limits of a king's power and the precise duration of his judgment. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Daniel by highlighting that historical events and human conditions are not random but exist within portions and periods ordained by God. In its Aramaic context, the word was a common term for a portion or limit. Its use in royal court narratives (Daniel) reflects a precise, administrative understanding of division and temporal boundaries, fitting for the description of empires and kingly decrees. חֵלֶק (ḥēleq, H2506) — a more common Hebrew term for 'portion' or 'share', often of an inheritance. פֶּה (peh, H6310) — can mean 'edge' or 'brink', focusing on a physical boundary rather than a portion. קָצֶה (qāṣeh, H7097) — the Hebrew root noun meaning 'end' or 'extremity'.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]