Topical Encyclopedia The term "cutoff" in the biblical context often refers to the act of being separated or removed from a community, covenant, or life itself. This concept is frequently associated with divine judgment or punishment for disobedience to God's commandments. The idea of being "cut off" is a serious consequence that underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the biblical narrative.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "cut off" is "karath." This term is used in various contexts, including the cutting of covenants, but most notably in the context of divine judgment. For example, in Genesis 17:14, God commands that any male who is not circumcised will be "cut off" from His people: "But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant" . This indicates a severance from the covenant community due to disobedience. The concept of being cut off is also prevalent in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 7:20-21, those who eat the flesh of the peace offering while unclean are to be cut off from their people. This reflects the seriousness of maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's laws. Similarly, in Exodus 12:15, anyone who eats leavened bread during the Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be cut off from Israel: "For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day, you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh must be cut off from Israel" . Prophetic Warnings The prophets also use the term "cut off" to describe the impending judgment on Israel and other nations due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry. In Isaiah 9:14, the Lord declares that He will cut off from Israel both head and tail, palm branch and reed in a single day, signifying a complete and devastating judgment. Similarly, in Jeremiah 11:19, the prophet speaks of being like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter, not knowing that they had devised plots against him, saying, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more" . New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of being cut off is less frequent but still present. It often takes on a spiritual dimension, emphasizing the separation from the life and community of believers due to sin or unbelief. In Romans 11:22, Paul warns the Gentiles to continue in God's kindness, otherwise, they too will be cut off: "Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off" . Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of being cut off serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. It highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards His covenant and commandments. The idea of being cut off is not only a physical or communal separation but also a spiritual one, emphasizing the need for repentance and reconciliation with God. In summary, the biblical concept of "cutoff" underscores the gravity of sin and the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with God. It serves as a warning to the faithful to adhere to God's commandments and to remain within the covenant community. Library God Willing that all Men Should be Saved. Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ... Thesaurus Cutoff (1 Occurrence)...Cutoff (1 Occurrence). Psalms 34:16 The face of Jehovah is against them that do evil, to cutoff the remembrance of them from the earth: (DBY). ... /c/cutoff.htm - 6k Cuthite Cut-off (2 Occurrences) Resources Cutoff: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cutoff (1 Occurrence)Psalms 34:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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