קִבְצַיִם (qiv.tsa.yim)
qiv.tsa.yim
Kibzaim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew word qivtsayim, rendered as Kibzaim in English Bibles, is a place name meaning "two heaps" or "two gatherings." It appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Joshua 21:18, where it is listed among the cities assigned to the Kohathite Levites within the territory of Ephraim. The name likely describes the physical landscape of the settlement, perhaps indicating a location situated between two prominent hills or mounds.
Lexical sources note that this site is also identified as Jokmeam, suggesting it may have had multiple names or that the texts reflect different traditions regarding its designation. As one of the forty-eight Levitical cities, Kibzaim served not as a center of political power but as a residence for those dedicated to religious service in the central highlands of ancient Israel.
The brevity of its biblical mention highlights how many small communities supported the broader spiritual life of the nation without appearing elsewhere in the narrative. The name itself offers a glimpse into how ancient inhabitants named their surroundings based on visible geographical features, grounding the sacred duty of the Levites in a specific, tangible location.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Kibzaim means "two heaps," a simple description of the landscape that likely featured two prominent hills or mounds. In Joshua 21:22, this small town is listed alongside Beth Horon as part of the inheritance given to the Kohathite Levites. It was not a place of political power or grand historical events, but a quiet home for those set apart for religious service.
God’s care often extends to the details of daily life and the specific places where His people dwell. By assigning these Levitical cities in the central highlands, He ensured that worship and teaching were woven into the fabric of Israelite society. Even small communities like Kibzaim played a vital role in supporting the spiritual life of the nation.
When we read about such minor locations, it reminds us that every place and person has value in God’s plan. We do not need to be famous or powerful to serve Him faithfully. Our ordinary lives, grounded in specific places and routines, are part of His larger story of grace and provision for His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kibzaim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִבְצַ֙יִם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 21:22
Kibzaim with its pasture lands, and Beth Horon with its pasture lands: four cities.
This verse explicitly lists Kibzaim as one of the four cities assigned to the Kohathite Levites, highlighting its role in the distribution of land for religious service.