from קָצַר; short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper); few, hasty, small, soon.
Transliteration:qâtsêr
Pronunciation:kaw-tsare'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective H7116 (קָצֵר, *qâtsêr*) is derived from the verbal root קָצַר (qâtsar, `{{H7114}}`), which primarily means "to cut off," "to reap," or "to gather." This etymological connection imbues qâtsêr with the core sense of something being "cut short," "limited," or "abbreviated."
Its semantic range is broad, encompassing various forms of "shortness":
* **Physical or Spatial Shortness:** Referring to something being brief in length or size.
* **Temporal Shortness:** Indicating a brief duration, as in "short days" or a limited lifespan.
* **Numerical Smallness:** Signifying "few" in number.
* **Deficiency or Limitation:** Most significantly, it denotes a lack of capacity, strength, or patience. This can manifest as a "short hand" (lack of power/ability) or a "short spirit" (impatience, discouragement).
* **Figurative Usage:** Implying haste or impatience, particularly in disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of H7116 across the Hebrew Bible illuminates its diverse applications:
* **Divine Power and Ability (Not Short):** Perhaps the most profound theological application of qâtsêr is found in rhetorical questions concerning God's power. When asked, "Is the LORD's hand short?" (e.g., [[Numbers 11:23]], [[Isaiah 50:2]], [[Isaiah 59:1]]), the implied answer is a resounding "No." This usage emphatically asserts God's unlimited power, His unfailing ability to provide, redeem, and save, irrespective of the magnitude of human need or sin. It serves as a declaration of divine omnipotence against any human doubt or perceived limitation.
* **Human Finitude and Brevity of Life:** qâtsêr frequently describes the transient nature of human existence. In [[Job 14:1]], humanity is described as being "of few days" (קְצַר יָמִים, *qetsar yamim*), highlighting the brevity and fragility of life. Similarly, [[Psalm 89:47]] laments, "Remember how short my time is," underscoring the fleeting nature of human life in contrast to God's eternality. This usage serves as a poignant reminder of mortality and the need for wisdom in light of life's brevity.
* **Human Disposition: Impatience and Discouragement:** The phrase "shortness of spirit" or "anguish of spirit" (קֹצֶר רוּחַ, *qotser ruach*) appears in contexts describing a lack of endurance or patience, often due to affliction. In [[Exodus 6:9]], the Israelites did not listen to Moses "for anguish of spirit and for cruel bondage," indicating their weariness and impatience under oppression. [[Proverbs 14:29]] contrasts the "hasty of spirit" (קְצַר רוּחַ, *qetsar ruach*), who exalts folly, with one who is "slow to anger." This highlights a spiritual deficiency, where impatience or a quick temper leads to unwise actions, contrasting with the virtue of patience and self-control.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** קָצַר (qâtsar, `{{H7114}}`): The direct verbal root, meaning "to cut off," "to reap," or "to be short." The adjective qâtsêr is a direct reflection of the state implied by the verb.
* **Antonyms:**
* אָרֵךְ (ʾārēkh, `{{H750}}`): "Long," especially in phrases like "long of days" or "longsuffering" (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, *ʾerekh ʾappayim*). This directly contrasts with the temporal and dispositional aspects of qâtsêr.
* רַב (rav, `{{H7227}}`): "Much," "many," "great." This contrasts with qâtsêr when it means "few" or "small in number."
* **Conceptual Links:**
* **Human Frailty:** The concept of human weakness, mortality, and limited capacity (e.g., חֹלִי, *kholi*, `{{H2483}}` "sickness"; חַלָּשׁ, *khallash*, `{{H2523}}` "weak").
* **Divine Omnipotence:** The boundless power and strength of God (e.g., כֹּחַ, *koakh*, `{{H3581}}` "strength"; גְּבוּרָה, *gevurah*, `{{H1369}}` "might").
* **Patience and Impatience:** The spiritual virtue of patience (אֹרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, *ʾorekh ʾappayim* "longsuffering") is directly contrasted with the "shortness of spirit" (קֹצֶר רוּחַ, *qotser ruach*).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7116 (qâtsêr) is multifaceted, primarily serving to delineate the vast chasm between the finite nature of humanity and the infinite character of God.
1. **Affirmation of Divine Omnipotence:** The most profound theological statement derived from qâtsêr is its use in rhetorical questions concerning God's "short hand." These passages (e.g., [[Numbers 11:23]], [[Isaiah 50:2]], [[Isaiah 59:1]]) categorically deny any limitation to God's power, ability to save, or capacity to provide. They serve as a powerful theological assertion of God's absolute sovereignty and limitless might, reassuring believers that no situation is beyond His redemptive reach. This stands as a foundational truth, countering human doubt and despair.
2. **Highlighting Human Finitude and Mortality:** By describing human life as "short of days" ([[Job 14:1]]), qâtsêr underscores the brevity and fragility of human existence. This serves as a constant reminder of our temporal limitations, prompting humility and a recognition of our dependence on an eternal God. It encourages a focus on what truly endures and a wise stewardship of the limited time granted.
3. **Understanding Spiritual Disposition:** The concept of "shortness of spirit" (qôtsêr ruach) reveals a crucial insight into the human spiritual condition. It speaks to a lack of resilience, patience, or faith in the face of adversity. This state, often born of affliction, hinders one's ability to trust God and endure. The biblical wisdom tradition implicitly contrasts this "short spirit" with the divine attribute of "longsuffering" and the call for believers to cultivate patience, perseverance, and faith in God's timing and purposes.
### Summary
H7116 (קָצֵר, *qâtsêr*) is a rich Hebrew adjective meaning "short" or "limited," derived from the root "to cut off." Its semantic range extends from physical and temporal brevity to numerical fewness, and most significantly, to a deficiency in strength or patience. Theologically, qâtsêr functions as a powerful descriptor that highlights the stark contrast between the finite, often impatient, nature of humanity and the infinite, omnipotent, and enduring character of God. It emphatically affirms God's unlimited power to save and provide, while simultaneously underscoring the brevity of human life and the spiritual danger of a "short spirit" marked by impatience or discouragement.
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