חָצַץ (cha.tsats)
cha.tsats
to divide; to shoot
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb cha.tsats carries two distinct meanings that share a common root idea: separation. In its basic sense, it means to divide or cut off. This usage appears in Job 31:22, where the speaker describes his arm being "cut off" in punishment, and in Judges 5:11, which references those who are divided into companies or swarms, like locusts.
A second, more specific meaning arises from this concept of division: to shoot arrows. The sources note that in the Piel stem, the participle can function as a noun for an "archer." This connects the physical act of splitting the air with the projectile to the broader theme of separation and distinct action. Though rare, occurring only three times, the word captures both the fragmentation of groups and the precise release of weapons.
Translators often render this verb as "divide" or "cut off," but context determines whether the imagery is social, physical, or martial. The lexical data highlights how a single root can bridge the mundane act of dividing swarms with the violence of archery, relying on the shared image of things being split apart.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb חָצַץ (cha.tsats) carries a vivid picture of separation. Whether it describes the precise release of an arrow or the orderly division of a swarm, the core idea is distinct action. In Proverbs 30:27, we see locusts advancing in ranks despite having no king. This image reminds us that order and purpose do not always require a visible human leader to enforce them.
When life feels chaotic or when we face uncertainty about our future, this word offers a quiet reassurance. It suggests that even in moments of division or judgment, there is an underlying structure. The separation described here is not random; it is purposeful. We can trust that God’s actions, whether they involve correction or guidance, are deliberate and measured.
Reflecting on this helps us find peace in our own seasons of transition. Just as the archer aims with intent and the locusts move with unity, we are held by a sovereign who sees the details of our lives. You do not need to force order where none seems to exist; you can rest in the certainty that God is working out His purposes with precision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they have been cut off1×
- dividing1×
- archers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְחַֽצְצִ֗ים1×
- חֻצָּֽצוּ\׃1×
- חֹצֵ֣ץ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 30:27
The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks.
This verse uses the participle form to describe locusts advancing in organized ranks, highlighting how divine order can exist without a visible human leader.
-
Judges 5:11
Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there they will rehearse Yahweh’s righteous acts, the righteous acts of his rule in Israel. “Then Yahweh’s people went down to the gates.
The reference to 'archers' here connects the root meaning of shooting or dividing air with the broader context of God’s righteous acts being celebrated in Israel.
-
Job 21:21
For what does he care for his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off?
Here the verb means 'cut off,' illustrating the finality of life’s end and prompting reflection on what truly matters after one’s time is done.