קָצֵר
short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper)
Definition
The Hebrew word קָצֵר (qâtsêr) primarily means 'short' but is used in several distinct senses in the Old Testament. It most literally describes something of short physical length or stature. More significantly, it is used metaphorically to describe a short lifespan, as in Job 14:1 where human life is described as 'short' and full of trouble. It also characterizes a short temper or hasty spirit, as seen in Proverbs 14:17 and 14:29, where being 'short' of spirit (i.e., quick-tempered) is contrasted with patience and understanding.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only five times, primarily in poetic and wisdom literature. Its usage splits between literal and metaphorical senses. The literal sense is seen in 2 Kings 19:26 and Isaiah 37:27, describing grass that is 'short' and withered. The metaphorical senses appear in Job and Proverbs: Job 14:1 uses it for the brevity of human life, while Proverbs 14:17 and 14:29 use it to describe a person who is short-tempered or hasty in spirit.
Etymology
קָצֵר is a noun derived from the root verb קָצַר (qâtsar, H7114), which means 'to be short' or 'to harvest.' The connection to harvesting implies a concept of something being cut off or brought to a swift end, which informs the word's meanings related to brevity in time (a short life) and limitation in capacity (a short temper).
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it touches on core human experiences: the brevity of life and the nature of human character. Its use in Job 14:1 starkly presents the mortal condition, prompting reflection on human frailty and dependence on God. In Proverbs, its use for a 'short' spirit provides a key ethical contrast, defining foolishness as a lack of emotional and spiritual endurance, which is central to biblical wisdom literature. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by connecting the physical idea of 'shortness' to profound spiritual and existential realities.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, a 'short' temper was not merely a personality flaw but a serious social and moral failing, as it could lead to rash decisions, violence, and community discord. The contrast with being 'long of spirit' (patient) in Proverbs was a vital component of social harmony and wise living.
מְעַט (me'at, H4592) — focuses on a small quantity or few in number, whereas קָצֵר focuses on brevity in dimension or duration. חָפֵז (châphêz, H213) — means to hurry or be hasty in action, while קָצֵר describes an internal state of impatience.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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