### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qôṭen**, represented by `{{H6995}}`, literally means **little finger** or refers to pettiness. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in scripture. Both instances occur within the same narrative, where it is used as a powerful metaphor for a new king's assertion of overwhelming authority over his people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical context for `{{H6995}}` is the story of King Rehoboam's succession. The **people** `{{H5971}}` approach him, asking that he lighten the **heavy** `{{H3513}}` **yoke** `{{H5923}}` imposed by his **father** `{{H1}}`. The **young men** `{{H3206}}` who were **brought up** `{{H1431}}` with Rehoboam advise him to respond with a show of force. They counsel him to declare, "My **little** finger shall be thicker than my father's **loins** `{{H4975}}`," a boast recorded in both [[1 Kings 12:10]] and [[2 Chronicles 10:10]]. This statement uses the smallest part of his body to signify a power greater than the strength of his predecessor.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in this narrative clarify the context of authority and burden:
* `{{H4975}}` **môthen** (loins): Used in direct contrast to the "little finger," the loins represent the full strength and power of Rehoboam's father. The comparison is meant to be a deliberate exaggeration of the new king's power [[1 Kings 12:10]].
* `{{H3513}}` **kâbad** (to be heavy): This word describes the nature of the father's rule, which **made** the people's yoke **heavy**. Rehoboam's response indicates his intention to make their burden even heavier [[2 Chronicles 10:10]].
* `{{H5923}}` **'ôl** (yoke): This term signifies the burden of service imposed by the king. The people's request to have their **yoke** made **lighter** `{{H7043}}` is the central conflict of the passage [[1 Kings 12:10]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H6995}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning leadership and pride.
* **A Metaphor of Arrogant Authority:** The word is the centerpiece of a boast. By comparing his **little** `{{H6995}}` finger to his father's **loins** `{{H4975}}`, Rehoboam claims his minimal effort will be more burdensome than his father's greatest exertion, displaying profound arrogance [[1 Kings 12:10]].
* **The Language of Oppression:** The word is part of a speech, advised by the **young men** `{{H3206}}`, designed to intimidate and increase the burden on the **people** `{{H5971}}`. It represents a ruler choosing to make a **yoke** `{{H5923}}` **thicker** `{{H5666}}` and more grievous.
* **The Catalyst for Division:** This declaration, intended to subdue the people, instead becomes the direct cause of their rebellion. The use of this single, dismissive word has catastrophic national consequences, fueled by the foolish counsel Rehoboam received [[2 Chronicles 10:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6995}}` **qôṭen** is a term that, while appearing only twice, plays a crucial role in a pivotal biblical narrative. It moves beyond its literal meaning of "little finger" to become a symbol of tyrannical pride and foolishly asserted power. The word powerfully illustrates how boastful speech can lead to division and ruin, marking the moment a king chose oppression over wisdom and, in doing so, lost the greater part of his kingdom.
TRV