קַטָּת
Kattath, a place in Palestine
Definition
Kattath is a proper noun referring to a town or location within the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun during the division of the Promised Land, as recorded in Joshua 19:15. The name itself means 'littleness' or 'smallness,' likely describing the settlement's modest size or significance. It is listed among other towns in Zebulun's inheritance, including Nahalal, Shimron, and Bethlehem. No further narrative or historical details about Kattath are provided in the biblical text beyond this single geographical reference.
Biblical Usage
The word קַטָּת (Qaṭṭâth) is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Joshua 19:15. Its usage is strictly geographical, appearing in a list of towns that formed the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun after the Israelite conquest of Canaan. There are no patterns of usage or variations in meaning, as it functions solely as a place name in this administrative context.
Etymology
The name קַטָּת (Qaṭṭâth) is derived from the Hebrew root קָטָן (qāṭan, H6996), which means 'to be small, insignificant, or young.' It is a feminine noun form, essentially meaning 'a small thing' or 'littleness.' This etymology suggests the town was likely known for its modest size or humble status compared to other settlements in the region.
Semantic Range
As a place name from the tribal allotment lists, Kattath reflects the Israelite practice of dividing the land by tribe and clan as an inheritance from God, a central theme in Joshua. The name's meaning ('littleness') may indicate it was a minor village, highlighting that even small, seemingly insignificant locations were included in God's promised distribution. This contrasts with modern maps that often highlight only major cities, reminding readers that every part of the inheritance held value.
No direct synonyms as a proper place name. Related words based on its root include: קָטָן (qāṭan, H6996) — the root adjective meaning 'small' or 'insignificant'; and קָטֹן (qāṭōn, H6996) — another form meaning 'smaller' or 'younger.'
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.
Full methodology & sources →