from קָטָן; littleness; Kattath, a place in Palestine; Kattath.
Transliteration:Qaṭṭâth
Pronunciation:kat-tawth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *Qaṭṭâth* (קַטָּת), designated by Strong's H7005, is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymological root is derived from *qāṭān* (`{{H6994}}`), which signifies "small," "little," "young," or "insignificant." Consequently, *Qaṭṭâth* literally translates to "littleness" or "smallness," suggesting a settlement characterized by its diminutive size or perhaps its relative unimportance within the broader landscape. As a geographical identifier, its semantic range is confined to its function as a proper noun denoting a specific location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Qaṭṭâth* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the detailed geographical enumeration of tribal inheritances in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:15]]: "And Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages."
This verse is part of the description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. The context is purely a listing of towns, providing no narrative or historical details about *Qaṭṭâth* itself beyond its existence as a recognized settlement during the period of Israelite conquest and settlement. Its inclusion in this precise inventory, alongside other towns, confirms its status as a real place, albeit seemingly a minor one, consistent with the meaning implied by its name. The absence of further mention in the biblical record suggests it remained a town of limited prominence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for *Qaṭṭâth* is its root, *qāṭān* (`{{H6994}}`). This root is widely used throughout the Old Testament to convey the concept of "smallness" in various dimensions:
* Physical size: "a little cloud" [[1 Kings 18:44]]
* Age: "the younger" [[Genesis 27:15]]
* Quantity: "a little water" [[Genesis 18:4]]
* Importance or significance: "the least of all peoples" [[Deuteronomy 7:7]]
The concept of "littleness" often stands in contrast to "greatness" (e.g., *gādôl*, `{{H1419}}`). In the context of place names, etymology frequently reflects a characteristic of the locale (e.g., "En-Gedi" meaning "spring of the kid," or "Beer-sheba" meaning "well of the oath"). Thus, *Qaṭṭâth* likely described a physically small settlement or one of minor local importance. Other towns listed alongside it in [[Joshua 19:15]], such as Nahalal and Shimron, also likely carried descriptive meanings, though not always as transparently linked to a common Hebrew root as *Qaṭṭâth*.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun designating a specific place, *Qaṭṭâth* does not possess inherent theological weight in the same manner as a theological concept or a verb describing divine action. Its theological significance is primarily indirect, arising from its inclusion within the meticulous record of God's sovereign distribution of the land to the tribes of Israel. The detailed enumeration of even seemingly "little" or insignificant towns like *Qaṭṭâth* in the book of Joshua underscores the divine precision and faithfulness in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises concerning the land to Abraham (e.g., [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). It highlights that God's meticulous plan encompasses every detail, no matter how small, within His overarching redemptive narrative. The very presence of a town named "Littleness" within the divinely appointed inheritance can serve as a subtle reminder that God's attention and provision extend to all, regardless of their perceived size or importance in human estimation. Every portion of the promised land, down to the smallest settlement, was a part of God's faithful provision for His people.
### Summary
*Qaṭṭâth* (`{{H7005}}`) is a unique proper noun, appearing once in the Hebrew Bible in [[Joshua 19:15]], where it identifies a town within the tribal inheritance of Zebulun. Derived from the Hebrew root *qāṭān* (`{{H6994}}`), meaning "small" or "little," its name literally signifies "littleness." While the biblical text offers no further narrative details about *Qaṭṭâth*, its inclusion in the meticulous geographical record of Joshua underscores God's faithful and detailed fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land. The presence of a town named "Littleness" within the divinely orchestrated distribution of territory serves as a quiet testament to God's comprehensive oversight, affirming that every detail, however seemingly insignificant, is part of His sovereign and redemptive plan for His people.
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