### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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