קָבַץ (qa.vats)
qa.vats
to gather
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 97 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qavats means to grasp or collect, describing the act of bringing scattered items or people into a single group. Its root sense involves taking hold with the hand, which explains its use for gathering physical resources like grain in Genesis 41:48. It also applies to assembling people, as seen when King Solomon gathered leaders in 1 Kings 8:1.
Translators often render this word as "gather" or "assemble," but the underlying image is one of intentional collection rather than random meeting. In poetic texts like Psalm 41:7, it takes on a darker nuance, describing how a wicked person gathers iniquity to themselves. This concrete imagery of holding and collecting gives the word a sense of purpose and control.
A significant portion of its usage appears in prophetic literature, where God is the active subject gathering His people. Isaiah 40:11 describes the Lord gathering lambs in His arms, while Jeremiah 23:3 promises to gather the remnant of Israel from all lands. These passages highlight a theological theme of divine restoration, where qavats signifies not just physical proximity but intentional care and reuniting of a dispersed community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qavats describes the intentional act of bringing scattered things into one place. It is not a random meeting but a purposeful collection, often involving care and control. When we see God as the subject who gathers, it suggests He takes hold of what is lost or dispersed and restores it to wholeness.
In Genesis 41, Joseph gathers grain during plenty to prepare for famine, showing how gathering provides security. In the prophets, this image shifts to people. Isaiah describes the Lord gathering lambs in His arms, highlighting tenderness alongside power. This reminds us that our God is attentive to those who feel scattered or alone.
For your faith life, this word offers comfort. It assures us that no part of our story is too far gone for God to collect and redeem. Whether you are gathering resources for a hard season or seeking community in times of loneliness, the same God who gathers Israel from exile is present to bring order and peace to your circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 97 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they gathered together10×
- and/ he gathered10×
- and/ they gathered4×
- they have gathered together3×
- gather together3×
- gather3×
- and/ he assembled3×
- I will gather/ them3×
- they had gathered together2×
- it will gather/ them2×
- he has gathered/ them2×
- and/ when/ were gathered2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ6×
- וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֤ץ5×
- נִקְבְּצ֣וּ4×
- מְקַבֵּ֖ץ2×
- וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֨ץ2×
- וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֥ץ2×
- וַ/יִּֽתְקַבְּצ֣וּ2×
- הִקָּבְצ֥וּ2×
- אֲקַבֵּץ֙2×
- אֲקַבְּצֵ֑/ם2×
- תְּקַבְּצֵ֖/ם1×
- קָבַץ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:48
He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities. He stored food in each city from the fields around that city.
This verse shows the practical wisdom of gathering resources in times of abundance to prepare for future need, illustrating stewardship.
-
Deuteronomy 30:3
that then Yahweh your God will release you from captivity, have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples where Yahweh your God has scattered you.
Here God promises to reverse exile by actively gathering His scattered people, emphasizing His compassion and faithfulness to covenant.
-
I Samuel 7:6
They gathered together to Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before Yahweh, and fasted on that day, and said there, “We have sinned against Yahweh.” Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.
The gathering at Mizpah marks a national return to repentance, where the act of coming together precedes spiritual renewal.
-
I Kings 18:20
So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel.
Ahab gathers prophets on Mount Carmel for a decisive confrontation, showing how gathering can serve as a moment of truth and judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does qavats mean in the Bible?
How is qavats different from other words for gathering?
Where does God use this word in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (97 verses across 23 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and store grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the…
Genesis 41:48He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities. He…
Genesis 49:2Assemble yourselves, and hear, you sons of Jacob. Listen to Israel, your father.