### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H6997, transliterated as *Qâṭân* (קָטָן), functions exclusively as a proper noun within the biblical text. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as קָטָן; small; Katan, an Israelite; Hakkatan (including the article)." This directly links H6997 to the adjective H6996 (קָטָן), which means "small, little, insignificant, young, humble, least." Therefore, the personal name "Katan" or "Hakkatan" likely carries the semantic weight of its adjectival root, suggesting "the small one," "the little one," or perhaps "the youngest." This could refer to physical stature, birth order, or even a disposition of humility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun H6997 (Qâṭân) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 8:12]]: "and of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 males."
In this sole occurrence, Hakkatan is identified as the father of Johanan, who is listed among the heads of families returning from Babylonian exile with Ezra. The context is a meticulous record of the returning exiles, emphasizing the re-establishment of the community in Judah. Hakkatan's name is part of this genealogical and historical register, underscoring the importance of lineage and tribal identity in the post-exilic period. Beyond his paternal role in this list, the text provides no further narrative details about Hakkatan himself. His significance lies in his contribution to the re-population and spiritual restoration of Israel through his son, Johanan, and the 110 males who accompanied him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word to H6997 is the adjective H6996 (קָטָן - *qâṭân*), from which the proper noun derives its meaning. This adjective is widely used throughout the Old Testament to denote various forms of "smallness":
* **Physical size:** [[Genesis 19:20]] (a "little" city), [[1 Samuel 17:14]] (David was the "youngest").
* **Quantity or number:** [[Deuteronomy 1:17]] ("small" and "great" cases).
* **Importance or significance:** [[Jeremiah 14:3]] (their nobles are "too little" to find water), [[Zechariah 4:10]] ("who has despised the day of small things?").
* **Age:** [[Genesis 44:2]] ("the youngest" brother).
The concept of "smallness" or "littleness" often carries theological weight in Scripture, frequently contrasting human estimation with divine perspective. God often chooses the "least" or "small" to accomplish great things (e.g., David, the youngest son, chosen as king; Israel, a "small" nation among empires). While H6997 is a proper noun, its etymology subtly connects it to these broader biblical themes of humility, divine election, and the significance of the seemingly insignificant.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun with a single biblical occurrence, H6997 (Hakkatan) does not directly convey extensive theological doctrine. However, its inclusion in the sacred text, even in a genealogical list, carries implicit theological weight:
1. **Divine Attention to Individuals:** The meticulous recording of names, even those mentioned only once, underscores God's comprehensive knowledge of and attention to every individual within His redemptive plan. Hakkatan, though seemingly "small" in the grand narrative, is known and recorded by God.
2. **Significance of the "Small":** By virtue of its root meaning ("the small one"), the name Hakkatan can subtly echo the biblical theme that God often works through the humble, the weak, or the "least" to achieve His purposes. While we have no narrative of Hakkatan's life, his name itself can serve as a quiet testament to the fact that every person, regardless of their perceived stature, plays a role in God's unfolding history.
3. **Importance of Lineage and Community:** In the post-exilic context of Ezra, the detailed genealogies were crucial for re-establishing the identity, purity, and structure of the returned community. Hakkatan's name, as a father of a returning family head, highlights the vital role of every family and individual in the restoration of Israel, a collective act of faithfulness to God's covenant.
### Summary
H6997 (קָטָן - *Qâṭân*) is a Hebrew proper noun, "Katan" or "Hakkatan," meaning "the small one" or "the little one," derived from the adjective H6996. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Ezra 8:12]], identifying the father of Johanan, a family head who returned from Babylonian exile with Ezra. While its direct theological contribution is limited due to its singular occurrence as a proper noun in a genealogical list, its etymological root subtly connects it to broader biblical themes. These include God's meticulous attention to individuals, the divine preference for working through the humble or "small" to achieve great purposes, and the communal importance of every family in the restoration of Israel. Hakkatan's brief mention serves as a reminder that every name, however obscure, contributes to the rich tapestry of God's redemptive history.
TRV