Original Word: קְוֻצָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: qvutstsah
Pronunciation: kev-oots-tsoth
Phonetic Spelling: (kev-oots-tsaw')
KJV: lock
NASB: locks
Word Origin: [feminine passive participle of H6972 (קוּץ - To loathe) in its original sense]

1. a forelock (as shorn)

lock

Feminine passive participle of quwts in its original sense; a forelock (as shorn) -- lock.

see HEBREW quwts

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
locks (of hair)
NASB Translation
locks (2).

[קְוֻצּוֺת] noun feminine plural locks of hair (√ obscure; Late Hebrew id.; Syriac , PS³⁵⁵⁶; Arabic hair over forehead); — suffix קְוֻצּוֺתַי Songs 5:2, תָיו- Songs 5:11.

Term Overview

קְוֻצָּה (qe·vut·tsāh) denotes “locks” or “ringlets” of hair—compact, gathered curls that frame the head. The noun derives from the verbal idea of collection or gathering, so the picture is one of individual strands woven into a unified, attractive whole.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Song of Songs 5:2 – The bridegroom, arriving in the night, says, “My head is drenched with dew, my locks with the dampness of the night.”
2. Song of Songs 5:11 – The bride extols him: “His head is purest gold; his locks are wavy and black as a raven.”

Literary and Poetic Significance

In the Song of Songs, physical descriptions serve as vehicles for celebrating covenant love. The “locks” convey vitality and vigor (“black as a raven”), harmonious order (gathered curls), and fragrant freshness (drenched with dew). The imagery is deliberately multi-layered: beauty is not merely visual but points to strength, youthfulness, and readiness for intimate fellowship.

Cultural and Historical Background

• In the ancient Near East, luxuriant, well-kept hair symbolized honor and attractiveness.
• Dew on hair signals early-morning activity—an unashamed pursuit of the beloved before the day begins.
• Black, wavy hair indicated youthfulness in a society where age quickly silvered the temples.

Within Israel, hair could also carry theological overtones (e.g., Nazarite consecration, Judges 16) and societal identity (2 Samuel 14:25-26).

Theological and Devotional Reflections

The Song has long been read on two complementary levels: marital love and the covenant love between the Lord and His people. On that higher plane, the gathered “locks” suggest:
• Unity in diversity—individual believers knit into one Body (John 17:23).
• Resilience—black, undimmed curls evoke the unfading vigor of Christ, “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
• Early devotion—the Lover stands in the night asking entrance; the dew-soaked locks call the Church to meet Him “before the day breaks” (compare Mark 1:35).

Ministry Applications

1. Spiritual Readiness: The bridegroom’s dew-laden hair challenges believers to rise promptly when Christ knocks (Revelation 3:20), not waiting for comfortable conditions.
2. Unity of the Church: Preaching can draw on the gathered curls to illustrate how the Spirit weaves varied personalities into one beautiful testimony (Ephesians 4:16).
3. Youthful Vigor in Service: Song of Songs 5:11 encourages leaders and congregations to serve with undiminished zeal, keeping their “locks black” by continual renewal in the Word and prayer (2 Corinthians 4:16).
4. Marital Enrichment: Couples may reflect on the poetry to nurture tenderness and mutual admiration, mirroring Christ-centered covenant faithfulness.

In both its literal charm and its rich symbolism, קְוֻצָּה invites readers to behold beauty that is ordered, consecrated, and ever fresh—an apt portrait of the beloved Bridegroom and the people He cherishes.

קְוֻּצּוֹתַ֖י קְוּצּוֹתָיו֙ קוצותי קוצותיו kevvtztzoTav kevvutztzoTai qəw·wṣ·ṣō·w·ṯāw qəw·wuṣ·ṣō·w·ṯay qəwwṣṣōwṯāw qəwwuṣṣōwṯayInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts