The Hebrew word Qaṭṭâth, represented by H7005, is a place name in Palestine meaning littleness. It is derived from a root word signifying being small. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text.
The sole appearance of H7005 is in the book of Joshua, where it is listed as one of several cities being cataloged. The verse reads, "And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages" Joshua 19:15. In this context, Qaṭṭâth serves a purely geographical function, identifying a specific location as part of a larger group of established towns.
Several other words appear alongside H7005 in its only scriptural context, providing a fuller picture of this location:
- H5096 Nahălâl: A place in Palestine, listed immediately after Qaṭṭâth in the same verse Joshua 19:15.
- H8110 Shimrôwn: The name of a place in Palestine, also included in the list of cities with Qaṭṭâth Joshua 19:15.
- H3030 Yidʼălâh: Defined as a place in Palestine, it is another of the towns enumerated with Qaṭṭâth Joshua 19:15.
- H1035 Bêyth Lechem: Meaning "house of bread," this well-known place in Palestine is mentioned in the same list of twelve cities Joshua 19:15.
- H5892 ʻîyr: This word for city is used to classify Qaṭṭâth and the other locations in the list Joshua 19:15.
- H2691 châtsêr: Meaning a village or hamlet, this term describes the smaller settlements associated with the twelve cities, including Qaṭṭâth Joshua 19:15.
- H8147 and H6240: These numbers, shᵉnayim (two) and ʻâsâr (-teen), combine to form the number twelve, which quantifies the total number of cities in the group that includes Qaṭṭâth Joshua 19:15.
While mentioned only once, the inclusion and name of H7005 carry some conceptual weight.
- Significance in Littleness: The name Qaṭṭâth means "littleness". This is noteworthy as it is listed alongside H1035 Bêyth Lechem (Bethlehem), a town later described as "little among the thousands of Judah" Micah 5:2. The presence of two such locations in one list highlights that a place's size does not determine its significance in the biblical record.
- Geographic Identity: The primary role of Qaṭṭâth is to serve as a geographical marker. Its inclusion in the list helps to define the boundaries and composition of a specific portion of land in Palestine Joshua 19:15.
- Part of a United Whole: Qaṭṭâth is not mentioned in isolation but as one of "twelve cities" Joshua 19:15. This emphasizes its identity as a component of a larger, divinely recorded collection. The number twelve itself is significant, appearing in contexts such as the twelve sons of Jacob Genesis 35:22.
In summary, H7005 Qaṭṭâth is a biblical place name whose importance is found not in a lengthy narrative but in its singular, precise inclusion in scripture. Its name, meaning littleness, and its placement in a list with other significant towns like Bêyth Lechem suggest a theme where even the small and seemingly minor have a designated place in God's plan. It exists in the biblical text as a testament to the detailed accounting of the land and its cities.
TRV