The Hebrew word qâtsêr, represented by H7116, conveys the concept of being short. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses. The definition encompasses shortness in various aspects, including size, number, life, strength, or temper, leading to translations like few, hasty, small, or soon.
In its biblical usage, H7116 describes limitations in different forms. It portrays the brevity of human life, stating that a man born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble Job 14:1. It is used to describe a lack of strength, as seen in the parallel accounts where inhabitants were of small power, leading them to be dismayed and confounded (2 Kings 19:26; Isaiah 37:27). The word also characterizes a short temper, contrasting a patient person with one who is hasty of spirit and therefore "exalteth folly" Proverbs 14:29. Similarly, being soon angry is linked to dealing foolishly Proverbs 14:17.
Several related words provide context to the meaning of H7116:
- H750 ʼârêk (long): The direct opposite of H7116, often translated as patient or slow (to anger). It is contrasted with being "hasty of spirit" to highlight the virtue of patience Proverbs 14:29.
- H3027 yâd (a hand): This word, while literally meaning hand, is used figuratively to denote power or means. It appears with H7116 to describe inhabitants of small power (2 Kings 19:26; Isaiah 37:27).
- H3117 yôwm (a day): Representing a period of time, whether literal or figurative, it is used with H7116 to characterize human existence as being of few days Job 14:1.
- H200 ʼivveleth (folly): This term for silliness is directly connected to a hasty temper. The one who is "hasty of spirit" exalteth folly Proverbs 14:29, and the one "soon angry" dealeth foolishly Proverbs 14:17.
The use of H7116 underscores several key theological themes.
- Human Limitation: The word emphasizes the frailty of human existence. Life is described as being of few days and full of trouble Job 14:1, and human strength is depicted as small power in the face of overwhelming circumstances (2 Kings 19:26; Isaiah 37:27).
- The Folly of a Short Temper: In wisdom literature, H7116 is used to warn against impatience and anger. Being hasty of spirit or soon angry is explicitly linked with foolishness H200, contrasting with the great understanding found in one who is slow to wrath (Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 14:17).
- Consequence of Weakness: When describing people of small power, the text notes they were "dismayed" H2865 and "confounded" H954, illustrating the natural result of human insufficiency when not relying on divine strength.
In summary, H7116 is a versatile word for "short" that scripture applies to the finite nature of human life, the inadequacy of human strength, and the imprudence of a short temper. Though it appears only five times, it consistently serves to highlight the contrast between human frailty and the need for divine wisdom and power. It teaches that what is hasty, small, or few finds its proper perspective only in relation to what is eternal and mighty.
TRV