### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word qᵉlôqêl (`{{H7052}}`) is derived from the root qālal (`{{H7043}}`), which fundamentally means "to be light," "to be swift," or "to be trifling/insignificant." As an intensive or reduplicated form, qᵉlôqêl emphasizes this quality, conveying the sense of something being utterly "light" in substance or weight, and by extension, "insubstantial," "worthless," "contemptible," or "despicable." Its core semantic range points to a lack of intrinsic value, solidity, or significance, rendering something easily dismissed or despised.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qᵉlôqêl (`{{H7052}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Numbers 21:5]]. The context is critical for understanding its profound implications. The passage describes the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. Weary from their travels, they voice a bitter complaint against God and Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food."
The "worthless food" (לֶחֶם הַקְּלֹקֵל, *leḥem haqqᵉlōqêl*) refers directly to the manna, the miraculous bread that God had provided daily for their sustenance. The Israelites' use of qᵉlôqêl here is a stark expression of their ingratitude and contempt for God's divine provision. Despite its supernatural origin and its role in sustaining their lives for decades, they perceived the manna as "light," "insubstantial," or "contemptible" because it lacked variety and the richness they remembered from Egypt. This complaint reveals a deep-seated spiritual malaise, characterized by discontent, a lack of faith, and a profound devaluation of God's faithful care.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **qālal (`{{H7043}}`):** The root verb from which qᵉlôqêl is derived. Its primary meanings include "to be light," "to be swift," "to be trifling," and also "to curse" or "to treat lightly/contemptuously." The connection to qᵉlôqêl lies in the negative sense of "lightness" – something that lacks weight, significance, or is easily despised.
* **qāl (`{{H6990}}`):** An adjective sharing the same root, meaning "light," "swift," or "insignificant." This reinforces the semantic field of lacking substance or importance.
* **Manna:** The miraculous bread provided by God in the wilderness. The Israelites' labeling of it as qᵉlôqêl (`{{H7052}}`) stands in stark contrast to its divine origin and life-sustaining power, highlighting the human tendency to undervalue and complain about divine blessings.
* **Ingratitude:** The concept directly embodied by the Israelites' complaint. Their description of the manna as "worthless" demonstrates a profound lack of appreciation for God's consistent and faithful provision.
* **Murmuring/Complaint:** A recurring theme throughout the wilderness narratives, often indicative of a deeper spiritual rebellion against God's authority and goodness. This incident is a prime example of such murmuring.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of qᵉlôqêl (`{{H7052}}`) in [[Numbers 21:5]] holds immense theological weight. It serves as a potent illustration of human ingratitude, spiritual blindness, and the dangers of despising divine grace. The manna was not merely food; it was a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness, His daily provision, and His intimate care for His people. To dismiss it as "worthless" or "contemptible" was a direct affront to God Himself and His holy character.
This incident underscores the peril of becoming overly familiar with divine blessings, which can lead to a loss of appreciation and a spirit of complaint. It reveals a heart that prioritizes fleeting desires and perceived comforts over the enduring, miraculous, and consistent care of the Almighty. The immediate divine judgment that followed—the sending of fiery serpents—underscores the gravity of such contemptuous attitudes towards God's provision and His holy self. qᵉlôqêl thus highlights humanity's fallen propensity to find fault even with perfect divine provision, exposing a deeper spiritual malaise of unbelief and discontent that undervalues the sacred.
### Summary
The Hebrew word qᵉlôqêl (`{{H7052}}`), derived from the root qālal (`{{H7043}}`), conveys the meaning of "insubstantial," "light," or "worthless." Its sole appearance in [[Numbers 21:5]] is highly significant, where it describes the manna as "worthless food" from the perspective of the complaining Israelites. This usage powerfully illustrates the depth of their ingratitude and contempt for God's miraculous and sustaining provision in the wilderness. The term thus functions as a profound theological indicator, highlighting human spiritual blindness, the danger of devaluing divine gifts, and the severe consequences of a heart prone to complaint and unbelief, which ultimately despises God's unwavering faithfulness.
TRV