from קָצַר; shortness (of spirit), i.e. impatience; anguish.
Transliteration:qôtser
Pronunciation:ko'-tser
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun קֹצֶר (qôtser), Strong's `{{H7115}}`, derives directly from the verbal root קָצַר (qatsar), Strong's `{{H7114}}`, which fundamentally means "to be short," "to cut short," or "to reap." While קָצַר can denote physical shortness (e.g., a "short hand" in Isaiah 59:1, meaning inability to save), קֹצֶר as a noun specifically takes on a metaphorical and psychological dimension. Its core meaning is "shortness (of spirit)," signifying a state where one's inner capacity for endurance, patience, or hope is diminished or constricted. This "shortness" manifests as impatience, weariness, or an overwhelming sense of anguish. It describes an internal condition of being hemmed in or overwhelmed, rendering one unable to receive or respond to external stimuli, particularly promises or reassurances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קֹצֶר (qôtser) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, with its most prominent and often sole occurrence in the Masoretic Text being found in [[Exodus 6:9]]. In this pivotal passage, Moses relays God's solemn promise to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt: "So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of *shortness of spirit* and on account of cruel bondage."
The context of [[Exodus 6:9]] is crucial. Despite the divine assurance of liberation, the Israelites' prolonged and oppressive servitude had so utterly crushed their spirit that they were incapable of receiving or believing Moses' message. Their "shortness of spirit" (קֹצֶר רוּחַ, qôtser ruach) is presented as a direct consequence of their "cruel bondage" (עֲבֹדָה קָשָׁה, avodah qashah). This phrase vividly portrays a people so utterly worn down by affliction that their capacity for hope, patience, or even attention has been severely diminished. It is not merely a lack of faith, but a deeper, almost physiological exhaustion of the soul, where the spirit itself feels "short" or constricted, unable to expand to encompass hope or future prospects. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the profound despair that can grip a people under severe oppression.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root קָצַר (qatsar), Strong's `{{H7114}}`, from which קֹצֶר is derived. This root's semantic range of "to be short," "to cut short," or "to reap" provides the foundational imagery for the noun. For instance, קָצַר can describe a "shortened" life ([[Psalm 89:45]]) or a "shortened" arm, indicating an inability to save ([[Isaiah 59:1]]). The noun קֹצֶר applies this concept of "shortness" specifically to the רוּחַ (ruach), or "spirit," denoting a spirit that lacks breadth, resilience, or endurance.
The antonymic concept to קֹצֶר רוּחַ (shortness of spirit) is אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם ('erekh 'appayim), literally "long of nose/face," which signifies "long-suffering" or "slow to anger" (e.g., [[Exodus 34:6]], [[Numbers 14:18]]). This divine attribute of patience stands in stark contrast to the human קֹצֶר and highlights the vast difference between human frailty and divine steadfastness.
Other related concepts include words describing affliction or distress, such as צָרָה (tsarah), Strong's `{{H6869}}` (distress, trouble), and עֹנִי (oni), Strong's `{{H6040}}` (affliction, misery). While these terms describe the external circumstances or the general state of suffering, קֹצֶר specifically describes the *internal, psychological reaction* to such suffering—a spirit overwhelmed to the point of incapacitation.
### Theological Significance
The concept of קֹצֶר (qôtser) carries significant theological weight.
1. **Human Frailty and Limits:** It powerfully underscores the limits of human endurance and the profound impact of prolonged suffering on the human spirit. It reveals that even in the face of divine promise, human beings can become so overwhelmed by their circumstances that their capacity to believe, hope, or even listen is severely compromised. This highlights the reality of human brokenness and the need for divine grace.
2. **The Nature of God's Deliverance:** The Israelites' קֹצֶר רוּחַ in [[Exodus 6:9]] does not deter God's plan of salvation. On the contrary, it emphasizes the sovereign and unconditional nature of God's deliverance. God acts not because His people are ready or faithful, but because of His covenant and His character. This demonstrates that salvation is often *despite* human weakness and inability, rather than contingent upon human readiness.
3. **Contrast with Divine Patience:** By implicitly contrasting human "shortness of spirit" with God's "long-suffering" (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם), the term magnifies God's infinite patience and enduring faithfulness. Where humanity quickly succumbs to impatience and despair, God remains steadfast in His promises and His character.
4. **The Necessity of Divine Intervention:** The state of קֹצֶר often necessitates a direct and powerful intervention from God, as human capacity to cope or initiate change is utterly exhausted. It sets the stage for a demonstration of God's power that transcends human limitations and expectations.
### Summary
קֹצֶר (qôtser), Strong's `{{H7115}}`, denotes a "shortness of spirit," a profound internal state of impatience, weariness, or anguish that arises from overwhelming circumstances. Derived from the root קָצָר (qatsar), meaning "to be short," it describes a spirit so constricted by suffering that it loses its capacity for hope or endurance. Its primary biblical occurrence in [[Exodus 6:9]] vividly illustrates the Israelites' inability to receive God's promise of deliverance due to the crushing weight of their cruel bondage. Theologically, קֹצֶר highlights human frailty and the limits of endurance, underscoring that God's sovereign deliverance often occurs not because of, but in spite of, humanity's despair and inability to believe. It also serves as a stark contrast to the infinite patience and long-suffering character of God.
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