from צָעַר; petty (in size or number); adverbially, a short (time); little one (while), small.
Transliteration:mitsʻâr
Pronunciation:mits-awr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִצְעָר (mitsʻâr, `{{H4705}}`) derives from the root צָעַר (tsaʻar, `{{H6810}}`), which fundamentally means "to be small, insignificant, or young." Consequently, mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) carries a primary semantic range encompassing concepts of "smallness," "fewness," and "brevity." It can function as an adjective, describing something as "petty" or "small" in size or number, or as an adverb, indicating "a short time" or "a little while." The nuance often depends on the context, but the underlying idea is always one of limited quantity, duration, or significance. It speaks to that which is not great, abundant, or prolonged.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) across the Hebrew Bible illustrates its versatile application:
* **Quantity/Number:** In [[Genesis 18:24]], Abraham pleads with God, asking if He would spare Sodom for "fifty righteous within the city," then progressively reduces the number to "ten." The term mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) here refers to "a few" or "a small number" of righteous individuals, highlighting the scarcity of those who might avert judgment. Similarly, in [[Numbers 26:54]], it is used to describe the distribution of land "to the small" (in number), meaning those tribes with fewer individuals received less land, emphasizing proportionality based on size. [[Psalm 37:16]] notes, "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right," where mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) underscores the qualitative superiority of a modest portion justly acquired over abundant ill-gotten gain.
* **Duration/Time:** The adverbial usage is prominent, often signifying a brief period. In [[Exodus 16:7]], Moses tells the Israelites that "in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord," implying that this manifestation would occur after "a little while" of waiting. [[Isaiah 10:25]] prophesies concerning Assyria, "For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease," indicating a short span before divine wrath concludes. This usage is particularly significant in prophetic contexts, where God's timing, though sometimes seemingly delayed, is ultimately "a little while" from His eternal perspective, as seen also in [[Jeremiah 51:33]].
* **Significance/Insignificance:** While less direct, the concept of "petty" or "insignificant" can be inferred. The city of Zoar is called "a little one" (mitsʻâr) in [[Genesis 19:20]], not just in size but implying its perceived insignificance in Lot's plea for it to be spared from destruction. This conveys a sense of something being minor or of little consequence in the grand scheme.
### Related Words & Concepts
Mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) stands within a semantic field of words denoting smallness, fewness, and brevity. Its closest relative is its root, צָעַר (tsaʻar, `{{H6810}}`), which functions as a verb meaning "to be small, insignificant, or young."
Other related terms include:
* מְעַט (meʻaṭ, `{{H4592}}`): This word is often synonymous with mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`), also meaning "little," "few," or "a short time." The two can be used interchangeably or complementarily to emphasize scarcity or brevity. For instance, in [[Isaiah 10:25]], "yet a very little while" uses מְעַט (meʻaṭ, `{{H4592}}`) in conjunction with עוֹד (ʻôd, "still, yet") to intensify the brevity.
* קָטָן (qaṭan, `{{H6996}}`): Meaning "small," "young," or "insignificant," this adjective often describes physical size or age, but can also refer to status or importance. While mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) often carries an adverbial sense of "a little" or "a short time," qaṭan (`{{H6996}}`) is more consistently adjectival.
* חָסֵר (ḥaser, `{{H2637}}`): To "lack," "diminish," or "be wanting." This verb describes the state of being less than complete or sufficient, which aligns with the concept of "smallness" or "fewness" conveyed by mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`).
Collectively, these words underscore the Hebrew Bible's nuanced vocabulary for describing limitations in quantity, duration, and significance, often setting the stage for divine action or human response.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) is profound, touching upon themes of divine sovereignty, human humility, and the nature of God's work.
1. **God's Perspective on the Small and Few:** The recurring use of mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) highlights that God often operates through what appears "small" or "insignificant" from a human perspective. Whether it's a "little" remnant preserved (a concept often intertwined with the idea of a small number), a "little" amount of time before a major divine intervention, or a "little" possession that is blessed, God's power is not contingent on human greatness or abundance. This echoes the principle seen in Gideon's army or the selection of Israel as a "least" among nations ([[Deuteronomy 7:7]]).
2. **Divine Timing and Patience:** When mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) refers to "a little while," it speaks to God's precise and often swift timing in executing His plans, whether of judgment or salvation. For those awaiting deliverance, "a little while" can feel long, yet from God's eternal perspective, it is brief. Conversely, for those under impending judgment, it serves as a warning of the short window remaining before divine wrath is unleashed. This emphasizes God's patience, allowing a "little while" for repentance, but also His ultimate certainty in fulfilling His word.
3. **Human Humility and Trust:** The concept of "a little" or "few" can evoke a sense of human vulnerability and dependence on God. When resources are mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`), it compels reliance not on human strength or numbers, but on divine provision and power. This fosters humility and trust, recognizing that true security and blessing come from God, not from earthly abundance. The righteous are content with "a little" ([[Psalm 37:16]]) because their true wealth is in their relationship with God.
### Summary
Mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) is a versatile Hebrew term rooted in צָעַר (tsaʻar, `{{H6810}}`), conveying the core meaning of "smallness" or "brevity." It functions both adjectivally, describing something as "petty" or "small" in quantity or size, and adverbially, denoting "a short time" or "a little while." Biblical occurrences demonstrate its application to numbers (e.g., "a few righteous" in [[Genesis 18:24]]), duration (e.g., "a very little while" before judgment in [[Isaiah 10:25]]), and sometimes implied significance (e.g., a "little" city in [[Genesis 19:20]]). Theologically, mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`) underscores God's sovereign ability to work powerfully through what is seemingly insignificant or limited, His precise timing in history, and the call for human humility and trust in His provision, even when resources or time seem mitsʻâr (`{{H4705}}`).
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