קְצִיץ (qe.tsits)
qe.tsits
(Emek)-keziz
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Qetsits appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Joshua 18:21 as part of the list of towns allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. It is a compound name formed with the word for valley, meaning "Cut-off Valley." This single occurrence anchors the term in the specific geography of the tribal inheritance lists that define the settlement of Israel in the Promised Land.
The root element suggests something severed or isolated, likely describing the town’s physical location in a distinct or bounded valley. By combining this descriptor with the geographical feature, the name paints a picture of a settlement set apart by its terrain. The brevity of its biblical record highlights how many local place names served as permanent markers of identity and boundary for the tribes.
Translators typically render Qetsits as "Cut-off Valley" to preserve the literal meaning of the components. Its presence in Joshua underscores the meticulous nature of the land distribution, where even small settlements received distinct names that reflected their environment. The word remains a quiet testament to the historical mapping of ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Qetsits appears only once in Scripture, nestled within the detailed list of towns allotted to Benjamin in Joshua 18:21. Its meaning, "Cut-off Valley," describes a specific geographical reality—a settlement isolated by its terrain. While this is a minor historical detail, it reminds us that God’s plan includes every corner of the earth, no matter how remote or obscure.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in the smallness of our lives. Just as this valley was marked on the map and given a distinct identity, you are known by name to God. Your daily experiences, even those that feel isolated or cut off from the mainstream, are part of His larger story. He does not overlook the quiet places or the seemingly insignificant moments.
When life feels fragmented or distant, remember that God’s record-keeping is perfect. Every place and every person has a purpose in His design. You are never lost to Him, even when you feel set apart by circumstances. This ancient name points to a God who cares for the details of creation and your personal journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Keziz1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְצִֽיץ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 18:21
Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz,
This verse lists Qetsits as one of the cities allotted to Benjamin, anchoring the name in the specific geography of tribal inheritance.