### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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