קוּץ (quts)

The Hebrew verb quts describes a visceral reaction of disgust or loathing, often carrying the sense of being grieved or sickened by something repulsive. It goes beyond simple dislike, implying a deep-seated aversion that can manifest as a physical revulsion. In the Old Testament, this word appears in contexts where people recoil from objects, actions, or situations that are fundamentally offensive or detestable.

Its usage spans several books, including Numbers, Isaiah, and Proverbs, reflecting its application to both ritual impurity and moral corruption. For instance, it is used to describe the Israelites' loathing of certain foods or practices in Numbers, highlighting how cultural and religious boundaries were maintained through such strong emotional responses. In prophetic literature like Isaiah, quts underscores the severity of sin, portraying God’s reaction to injustice with a sense of profound sorrow and disgust.

Translators often render quts as "loathe" or "abhor," capturing its intensity. The word's root conveys a sense of shrinking back in fear or revulsion, emphasizing the emotional weight behind the action. This term serves as a powerful reminder of the moral and spiritual stakes involved in maintaining purity and righteousness within the community.