קֶ֫טֶל (qe.tel)
qe.tel
slaughter
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun qetel denotes a violent killing or the act of slaughter. In biblical Hebrew, it carries a heavy weight, referring specifically to the shedding of blood through force rather than natural death or judicial execution. The word appears only once in the Old Testament, located in Obadiah 1:15.
Its singular occurrence underscores its intensity within that context. The verse declares that as the nations have acted violently, violence will be done to them, and they will receive the qetel they inflicted on others. This usage highlights a principle of retributive justice, where the manner of judgment mirrors the crime.
Translators typically render qetel as "slaughter" or "destruction" to capture its brutal nature. Unlike words for general death, this term emphasizes the physical act of killing, often in a context of war or divine punishment. Its rarity in Scripture marks it as a specific descriptor for severe, violent loss of life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qetel describes a violent killing or slaughter. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Obadiah 1:9. The verse speaks of mighty men being cut off by slaughter. This rare term highlights the seriousness of violence and its consequences.
When we face injustice, it is natural to seek justice. This word reminds us that God sees all actions. It points to a reality where harm done to others will not go unnoticed. The Bible does not shy away from describing the weight of such acts.
This understanding can bring comfort in difficult times. It assures us that God is just and that wrongs will be addressed. We can trust in His fairness even when we cannot see the outcome immediately. This perspective helps us rest in His sovereignty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ slaughter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/קָּֽטֶל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Obadiah 1:9
Your mighty men, Teman, will be dismayed, to the end that everyone may be cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter.
The word qetel here specifies the violent fate awaiting the mighty men of Teman, emphasizing that their strength will not protect them from the consequences of their actions.