### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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