קִבּוּץ (qib.buts)
qib.buts
collection
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qibbuts denotes a collection or gathering, appearing in Scripture to describe an assemblage of people or objects. Its root sense implies bringing separate elements together into a single unit, whether that refers to a crowd assembling or a heap of items piled up.
This word is rare, occurring only once in the Old Testament at Isaiah 57:13. In this specific context, it describes the futile attempt to gather protection from various idols or stars when danger approaches. The usage highlights the contrast between scattered, powerless sources and the security found in God alone.
While often translated simply as "gathering" or "assembly," the term carries a concrete weight of accumulation. It suggests not just presence, but the act of collecting or piling together. This singular occurrence underscores the theme that human efforts to gather safety from multiple sources are ultimately insufficient compared to divine refuge.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qibbuts describes a gathering or collection of things brought together into one place. In Isaiah 57:13, it refers to people who have been assembled to offer help or protection. The text notes that despite this effort to gather support from many sources, the wind takes them all away. This image reminds us that human efforts, no matter how organized or numerous, often lack lasting power.
Yet the verse does not leave us in despair. It contrasts these failed gatherings with the one who takes refuge in God. While we may look to many different sources for safety, the promise is clear: those who trust in the Lord will inherit His holy mountain. This offers a steady hope that our security does not depend on the strength of our crowds or the size of our resources.
When life feels scattered or uncertain, this word invites us to look beyond the noise of many voices. It points to the peace found in resting in God’s care. We are reminded that true safety is not something we must gather ourselves, but a gift received by trusting in Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- collection<s>/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִבּוּצַ֔יִ/ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 57:13
When you cry, let those whom you have gathered deliver you, but the wind will take them. A breath will carry them all away, but he who takes refuge in me will possess the land, and will inherit my holy mountain.”
This verse uses the word to describe assembled idols or helpers that ultimately fail to provide protection, highlighting the futility of relying on human or supernatural assemblies rather than God.