The Hebrew word mizʻâr, represented by H4213, denotes fewness or diminutiveness. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning often functions as a superlative, emphasizing something as being few or very small in quantity or duration.
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of H4213 are found in the book of Isaiah, where it conveys concepts of smallness in both time and number. It is used to describe a brief period before a significant divine action, as in "yet a very H4213 little while" (Isaiah 10:25, Isaiah 29:17). It also quantifies the result of judgment, indicating that only "few H4213 men" will be left after a curse devours the earth Isaiah 24:6 or that the remnant of Moab will be "very small H4213" Isaiah 16:14.
Several related words provide context for the meaning of H4213:
- H4592 mᵉʻaṭ (a little or few): This word frequently appears alongside H4213 to intensify the sense of smallness. It is used in phrases like "a very little while" Isaiah 10:25 and to describe the remnant of Moab as "very small" Isaiah 16:14.
- H582 ʼĕnôwsh (a man in general): This term specifies what is being described as few. In the context of judgment, the earth's inhabitants are drastically reduced, leaving "few H4213 men H582 left" Isaiah 24:6.
- H7604 shâʼar (leave, be left, remain): This word defines the status of those described by H4213, signifying a remnant that has been left behind after a catastrophic event, as when few men are "left H7604" Isaiah 24:6.
The theological weight of H4213 is tied to the prophetic messages of judgment and timing.
- Divine Timing: The use of H4213 in phrases like "a very little while" emphasizes the imminence of God's prophetic fulfillment. It signals that a period of judgment is near its end, as when the Lord's indignation will cease Isaiah 10:25, or that a great transformation is about to occur Isaiah 29:17.
- Severity of Judgment: The word underscores the scale of divine judgment by describing its outcome in stark terms. The desolation of the earth results in only "few H4213 men" being left Isaiah 24:6, illustrating a drastic reduction of the population.
- The Diminished Remnant: H4213 is directly connected to the theme of the remnant. After judgment on Moab, its great multitude is reduced to a remnant that is "very small H4213 and feeble" Isaiah 16:14, showing that survival does not imply immediate strength.
In summary, H4213 mizʻâr is a specific and impactful term used exclusively in Isaiah's prophecies to convey a sense of smallness. Whether describing a short span of time before divine action or the meager number of survivors after judgment, it consistently points to a state of being few or very small. It serves as a crucial descriptor for understanding the imminence of God's plans and the severity of His judgments, particularly in relation to the theme of the remnant.
TRV