from קָטַט in the sense of abbreviation; a little, i.e. (adverbially) merely; very.
Transliteration:qaṭ
Pronunciation:kat
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קַט (qaṭ), designated as `{{H6985}}`, derives from the root קָטַט (qaṭaṭ, `{{H6990}}`), which carries the primary sense of cutting off, abbreviating, or diminishing. This etymological foundation informs the core meaning of qaṭ as "a little" or "small." The base definition further expands its semantic range to include adverbial uses such as "merely" or "very." As "a little," it denotes scarcity, smallness in quantity or size, or insignificance. When functioning as "merely," it can imply a bare minimum or a simple, unadorned state. The intensifying adverbial "very" suggests an extreme degree, often in conjunction with an adjective implying smallness (e.g., "very small"). Thus, qaṭ encapsulates concepts of limitation, diminishment, and, paradoxically, intensification when referring to a small degree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma קַט (qaṭ, `{{H6985}}`) itself is exceedingly rare as a standalone word in the Masoretic Text, often considered a foundational root or a less common form from which more frequently occurring words are derived. Its conceptual meaning, however, is pervasive. Words sharing this root or semantic field, such as קָטָן (qaṭan, `{{H6996}}`, meaning "small" or "insignificant") and מְעַט (me'aṭ, `{{H4592}}`, meaning "a little" or "few"), express the notions inherent in qaṭ.
For instance, while qaṭ itself may not appear directly as a distinct word in widely recognized verses, the concept of "a little" or "few" is crucial in passages like [[Deuteronomy 26:5]], where Israel recounts its humble beginnings: "A wandering Aramean was my father, and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number..." (referring to מְעַט, me'aṭ). Similarly, the idea of being "small" or "insignificant" is central to the self-perception of figures like Solomon in [[1 Kings 3:7]], who declares, "I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in" (using קָטָן, qaṭan). These examples, while not direct occurrences of H6985, illustrate the profound theological and narrative weight carried by the semantic field of "smallness" and "fewness" which qaṭ fundamentally represents. The rarity of H6985 as an independent word underscores its nature as a foundational element, contributing to the lexicon of limitation and humility.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of קַט (qaṭ, `{{H6985}}`) is richly populated by terms that extend and specify its core meaning of "smallness" or "fewness." The most direct derivative is קָטָן (qaṭan, `{{H6996}}`), an adjective meaning "small," "little," "young," or "insignificant." This word appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, describing physical size, age, social status, or numerical quantity.
Another closely related term is מְעַט (me'aṭ, `{{H4592}}`), which functions as an adjective or adverb meaning "a little," "few," or "a short time." While not directly derived from קָטַט, it shares the conceptual space of limitation and scarcity, often appearing in contexts where the smallness of a group or quantity is emphasized.
The root verb קָטַט (qaṭaṭ, `{{H6990}}`), from which qaṭ is said to derive, means "to cut off," "to diminish," or "to break in pieces." This root emphasizes the active process of reduction or abbreviation, providing the foundational sense of "smallness" that qaṭ embodies.
Conceptually, qaṭ is linked to themes of humility, human frailty, divine election (choosing the "few" or "small"), and the contrast between human limitation and divine omnipotence. It stands in semantic opposition to words denoting greatness, abundance, or vastness.
### Theological Significance
While קַט (qaṭ, `{{H6985}}`) itself is rarely attested as a standalone word, its underlying meaning and the concepts it represents are profoundly significant in biblical theology. The idea of "smallness" or "fewness" often serves as a theological motif, highlighting God's sovereign power and faithfulness.
Firstly, it underscores human humility and dependence on God. When individuals or nations are described as "small" or "few," it emphasizes their inherent weakness and inability to achieve salvation or victory by their own might. This perspective fosters a spirit of reliance on divine strength rather than self-sufficiency.
Secondly, the concept of God working through the "small" or "few" is a recurring theme. Israel, though "the fewest of all peoples" ([[Deuteronomy 7:7]]), was chosen by God. Gideon's army was dramatically reduced in number so that the victory would clearly be God's ([[Judges 7:2-7]]). This demonstrates that God's power is not contingent upon human might or numbers, but is often magnified through human weakness and limitation.
Thirdly, the adverbial sense of "merely" or "very" (in the context of smallness) can intensify the perception of human frailty or the precariousness of a situation, thereby magnifying the need for divine intervention. It can also denote a seemingly insignificant beginning from which God brings forth great things, illustrating His ability to use the humble and overlooked for His grand purposes. The theological significance of qaṭ thus lies in its capacity to articulate the vast chasm between finite humanity and infinite divinity, while simultaneously celebrating God's redemptive work through the seemingly insignificant.
### Summary
קַט (qaṭ, `{{H6985}}`) is a rarely attested Hebrew term derived from the root קָטַט (qaṭaṭ, `{{H6990}}`), signifying "a little," "merely," or "very." Its core meaning revolves around concepts of smallness, limitation, and diminishment. While H6985 itself does not appear frequently as a distinct word in the biblical text, its semantic contribution is profoundly expressed through related and more common terms like קָטָן (qaṭan, `{{H6996}}`) and מְעַט (me'aṭ, `{{H4592}}`). The theological significance of this conceptual field is immense, highlighting human humility and dependence on God, demonstrating God's power to work through the seemingly insignificant, and underscoring His sovereignty over all creation, regardless of human strength or numbers. It serves as a foundational linguistic element for expressing the biblical emphasis on divine glory magnified through human weakness.
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