feminine of מִצְעָר; properly, littleness; concretely, diminutive; little.
Transliteration:mitstsᵉʻîyrâh
Pronunciation:mits-tseh-ee-raw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H4704}}` (מִצְּעִירָה, mitstsᵉʻîyrâh) is defined as the feminine form of `{{H4705}}` (מִצְעָר, mitsʻâr), carrying the core meaning of "littleness," "diminutive," or "little." Its semantic range thus encompasses notions of smallness, scarcity, or insignificance. Both `{{H4704}}` and `{{H4705}}` derive from the root `{{H6810}}` (צָעִיר, tsaʻîyr), an adjective meaning "small," "young," or "insignificant." While `{{H4705}}` often functions adverbially to denote "a little" or "a few," `{{H4704}}` would, in its theoretical usage, emphasize the quality or state of smallness in a feminine or abstract sense. The prefixed מִן (min) component, often indicating "from" or "out of," is here integrated into the word's morphology, reinforcing the sense of deriving from or embodying a state of smallness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the precise lemma `{{H4704}}` (מִצְּעִירָה) does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. While this specific feminine form is absent, the concept of "littleness," "smallness," or "fewness" is frequently conveyed through its masculine counterpart `{{H4705}}` (מִצְעָר) and its root `{{H6810}}` (צָעִיר), which are both attested.
For instance, `{{H4705}}` (מִצְעָר) is found in contexts such as:
* [[Genesis 18:24]]: Abraham's intercession for Sodom, where he asks if the city will be spared "for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it," implying a potentially "small" number.
* [[2 Kings 4:3]]: Elisha instructs the widow to borrow empty jars, "not a few," indicating the need for a large quantity, the inverse of `{{H4705}}`.
* [[2 Chronicles 24:24]]: Describing the Aramean army's victory over Judah: "Indeed, the army of Aram came with a small company of men, but the LORD delivered a very great army into their hand..." Here, בְּמִצְעָר emphasizes the numerical inferiority of the Arameans, highlighting God's intervention.
The absence of `{{H4704}}` may suggest that its specific nuance was not required in the extant biblical corpus, or that the masculine form `{{H4705}}` sufficiently covered the necessary semantic ground for expressing "littleness" in various contexts, whether referring to quantity, size, or significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H4704}}` is best understood in relation to its etymological and semantic kin:
* `{{H4705}}` (מִצְעָר, mitsʻâr): The direct masculine counterpart, meaning "a little, a few, a trifle." This word is the primary vehicle for expressing the concept of small quantity or degree derived from the same root.
* `{{H6810}}` (צָעִיר, tsaʻîyr): The root adjective, meaning "small, young, insignificant." This word is foundational to the concept, often used to describe individuals or groups of lesser status, age, or power (e.g., Benjamin as the "smallest" of the tribes in [[1 Samuel 9:21]]).
* `{{H6996}}` (קָטָן, qāṭān): A common adjective meaning "small, little, insignificant." While not directly related etymologically, it occupies a similar semantic field and is frequently used to describe physical size, age, or social standing.
The overarching concepts evoked by these words include humility, insignificance, scarcity, and the divine paradox where God often chooses the seemingly weak or small to accomplish His mighty purposes.
### Theological Significance
Although `{{H4704}}` itself does not appear in the biblical text, the underlying theological significance of "littleness" and "smallness" is profound and pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible. God's election and redemptive history frequently demonstrate a preference for the numerically few, the socially insignificant, or the physically weak.
* **Divine Election:** Israel, chosen by God, is described not as the greatest or most numerous of nations, but often as a "few" or "small" people (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:7]]). This underscores that God's choice is not based on human merit or might, but on His sovereign grace and covenant faithfulness.
* **Humility and Dependence:** The concept of "littleness" encourages humility before God. When individuals or groups recognize their own smallness or weakness, they are more inclined to rely on divine strength rather than self-sufficiency (e.g., Gideon's army in [[Judges 7]]).
* **God's Power Magnified:** God often uses "small" or seemingly insignificant means to achieve "great" ends, thereby magnifying His own power and glory. The victory of a "small company" over a "great army" (as seen in [[2 Chronicles 24:24]] with `{{H4705}}`) is a recurring motif that demonstrates God's ability to work contrary to human expectations.
* **The Remnant Motif:** The idea of a "small" remnant, preserved by God through judgment, is a significant theological theme, highlighting God's faithfulness and the continuity of His redemptive plan despite widespread apostasy.
Thus, the theological weight of "littleness" is not diminished by the non-occurrence of `{{H4704}}`, but rather is powerfully articulated through its related terms, emphasizing God's unconventional methods and His exaltation of the humble.
### Summary
`{{H4704}}` (מִצְּעִירָה, mitstsᵉʻîyrâh) is presented as a feminine form meaning "littleness" or "diminutive," derived from `{{H4705}}` (מִצְעָר) and ultimately from the root `{{H6810}}` (צָעִיר), both conveying concepts of smallness or insignificance. While this specific lemma does not appear in the Masoretic Text, its semantic field is richly explored through its masculine counterpart `{{H4705}}` and the root `{{H6810}}`, which are frequently used to describe small quantities, humble origins, or numerical inferiority. The theological significance of "littleness" in the biblical narrative is profound, illustrating God's sovereign choice of the humble, His power made perfect in weakness, and His call for humanity's dependence upon Him rather than on self-reliance or worldly might.
TRV