a primitive root; to grasp with the hand; take an handful.
Transliteration:qâmats
Pronunciation:kaw-mats'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H7061}}` (קָמַץ, qâmats) is a primitive root whose core meaning denotes the action of "grasping with the hand" or "taking a handful." This is not a general act of taking, but specifically implies the closing of the hand around a quantity of something, typically a granular or powdery substance. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing on this particular physical gesture of acquiring a small, precise portion. It suggests a direct, physical engagement with the material, often for a specific, prescribed purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H7061}}` appears exclusively in the book of Leviticus, consistently within the context of the sacrificial system, particularly concerning grain offerings (מִנְחָה, minchah, `{{H4503}}`). Its usage highlights a precise ritual action performed by the priest.
1. **[[Leviticus 2:2]]**: "And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests; and he shall take therefrom his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD." Here, the priest is instructed to "take a handful" (וְקָמַץ) of the grain offering ingredients. This handful is explicitly designated as the "memorial portion" (אַזְכָּרָה, azkarah, `{{H2146}}`) to be burned on the altar.
2. **[[Leviticus 2:9]]**: This verse reiterates the same instruction for the remainder of the grain offering, confirming that a portion (the handful) is for the Lord as a memorial.
3. **[[Leviticus 5:12]]**: In the context of a sin offering made with fine flour (for those unable to afford animals), the priest is again commanded to "take his handful" (וְקָמַץ) of it as a memorial portion to be burned on the altar. This demonstrates the verb's application beyond just the voluntary grain offering, underscoring its role in various types of offerings.
4. **[[Leviticus 6:15]] (Hebrew 6:8)**: This passage, part of the law for the grain offering, once more specifies the priest's action: "And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it unto the LORD."
Across all occurrences, the verb `{{H7061}}` describes a specific, cultic action performed by the priest, where a small, representative portion of the offering is physically separated by hand for dedication to God. The consistency of its usage underscores the meticulous nature of the Mosaic sacrificial system.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **`{{H7062}}` (קֹמֶץ, qōmets)**: This is the noun form directly derived from `{{H7061}}`, meaning "a handful." It is the object of the verb's action in the Levitical texts (e.g., "he shall take *his handful*").
2. **`{{H3027}}` (יָד, yad)**: "Hand." The action of `{{H7061}}` is inherently performed *with the hand*, making this a fundamental related concept. The priest's hand is the instrument of this sacred act.
3. **`{{H4503}}` (מִנְחָה, minchah)**: "Grain offering" or "meal offering." This is the primary type of offering with which `{{H7061}}` is associated. The verb describes a key step in the preparation of this offering.
4. **`{{H2146}}` (אַזְכָּרָה, azkarah)**: "Memorial portion" or "remembrance portion." The handful taken via `{{H7061}}` is consistently identified as the *azkarah*, which is burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, serving as a remembrance before Him.
5. **`{{H3947}}` (לָקַח, laqach)**: "To take, to seize, to receive." While this is a more general verb for taking, `{{H7061}}` specifies the *manner* of taking—specifically, taking a handful. The specificity of `{{H7061}}` highlights the ritualistic precision.
### Theological Significance
The verb `{{H7061}}` (qâmats) carries profound theological significance within the Levitical cultus:
1. **Divine Demand for Precision and Holiness**: The repeated command to "take a handful" emphasizes God's requirement for exactitude and meticulousness in worship. The offerings were not to be handled haphazardly but according to divine prescription, reflecting God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him.
2. **Priestly Mediation**: The action of taking the handful is consistently attributed to the priest. This underscores the priest's indispensable role as the divinely appointed mediator, performing the sacred rituals on behalf of the worshiper. The priest's hands are instrumental in preparing the offering for divine acceptance and communion.
3. **Symbol of Dedication and Remembrance**: The "handful" (qōmets) represents the "memorial portion" (azkarah) that is wholly dedicated to God by fire. This portion symbolizes the entire offering and, by extension, the worshiper's devotion, gratitude, or confession, brought into remembrance before the Lord. It signifies the setting apart of a representative part for God, acknowledging His sovereignty and ownership.
4. **Aroma of Acceptance**: The burning of the handful as a "sweet savor" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, reah nichoach) signifies divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering, and thus in the worshiper's act of obedience and devotion.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H7061}}` (קָמַץ, qâmats) means "to grasp with the hand" or "to take a handful." Its usage is exclusively found in the book of Leviticus, where it describes the precise ritual action of the priest taking a specific "handful" (קֹמֶץ, `{{H7062}}`) of flour, oil, and frankincense from a grain offering or, in one instance, a sin offering. This "handful" constitutes the "memorial portion" (אַזְכָּרָה, `{{H2146}}`) that is burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Theologically, `{{H7061}}` powerfully conveys the divine demand for precision in worship, highlights the essential role of priestly mediation, and symbolizes the dedication and remembrance of the worshiper's offering before the holy God. It underscores the reverent and specific manner in which sacred offerings were to be handled in the tabernacle cult.
TRV