זְעֵיר

small

Definition

The Hebrew word זְעֵיר (zᵉʻêyr) means 'small' or 'little,' often referring to a small quantity, a short duration, or something of minor significance. In its three biblical occurrences, it consistently conveys the idea of something minimal or insufficient. In Job 36:2, Elihu asks for patience as he has yet 'a little' more to say on God's behalf, indicating a small remaining amount. In Isaiah 28:10 and 28:13, the word is repeated in a mocking, childish chant ('precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little'), portraying God's word being reduced to simplistic, fragmented instruction for a disobedient people.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, appearing in poetic or prophetic literature (Job and Isaiah). Its usage is always adverbial, modifying a verb to indicate a small measure or degree. In Job 36:2, it modifies the act of speaking. In Isaiah 28:10 and 28:13, it is used repetitively within a satirical taunt to emphasize the piecemeal, elementary nature of the message a rebellious people will receive from God. There is a pattern of it describing something that is minimal or barely sufficient within its context.

Etymology

זְעֵיר derives from an unused root, with scholars suggesting a connection (by permutation) to the root צָעַר (ṣāʻar, H6819), which means 'to be or become small, insignificant, or to diminish.' This etymological link places it within a semantic field of smallness, dwindling, or reduction. The word itself functions as an adjective or adverb indicating a minor degree or quantity.

Semantic Range

Though a simple word for 'little,' זְעֵיר gains theological weight in Isaiah 28. There, its repetitive use ('here a little, there a little') is part of God's judgment, illustrating how divine revelation will become fragmented and simplistic to those who reject true wisdom. It contrasts the rich, coherent counsel of God with the childish, broken instruction fit for the spiritually immature. This warns against a superficial, piecemeal approach to God's word and highlights the consequences of rebellion.

In the ancient Near East, wisdom was highly valued and often conveyed through proverbs and sustained discourse. The taunt in Isaiah 28:10, using 'a little,' mimics the sound of childish babbling or the simplistic drills of a schoolchild. This cultural context underscores the insult: treating God's profound instruction as mere baby talk reflects the people's profound spiritual dullness and rebellion.

קָטָן (qāṭān, H6996) — The most common word for 'small' or 'young,' often used for physical size or age. צָעִיר (ṣāʻîyr, H6810) — Typically means 'small' or 'younger,' frequently used in genealogies (e.g., 'the younger son'). מְעַט (mᵉʻaṭ, H4592) — Emphasizes a small amount or few in number, often for quantities or time.

Word Details

Scripture References