מְעַט

מְעַט

a little or few (often adverbial or compar.)

Definition

The Hebrew noun מְעַט (mᵉʻaṭ) fundamentally means 'a little' or 'a few,' but its usage is flexible. It often describes a small quantity, as in a little water (Genesis 18:4) or a few days (Genesis 24:55). It can function adverbially to mean 'slightly' or 'a little while,' as in waiting a little (Genesis 24:55). In comparative contexts, it can imply 'too little' or 'insufficient,' highlighting scarcity, as seen when Jacob says his wages were too little (Genesis 30:30).

Biblical Usage

מְעַט appears 92 times across the Old Testament, from narrative to prophetic books. It is frequently used in Genesis to describe modest quantities (e.g., water, food, time) and in negotiations or statements of lack. In prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, it can describe the remnant or a brief period of judgment or relief (e.g., Isaiah 10:25). Its adverbial use to modify verbs is common, softening actions or describing short durations.

Etymology

Derived from the root מָעַט (māʻaṭ, H4591), which means 'to be or become small, few, or diminished.' The noun form מְעַט carries the core sense of scantiness or paucity. Related cognates in other Semitic languages also convey concepts of smallness or reduction, confirming this fundamental meaning.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it often highlights human limitation and divine sufficiency. In narratives, it underscores scarcity that God overcomes (e.g., providing for a remnant). It contrasts human 'little' with God's abundance, emphasizing themes of humility, dependence, and God's provision in seeming insufficiency, enriching readings of passages about faith and providence. In ancient Israelite culture, describing something as מְעַט could carry social weight, indicating modesty, a bargaining position, or a genuine state of need. In contexts like hospitality (Genesis 18:4) or trade, it reflected practical assessments of resources, where 'a little' was a tangible, often precarious, measure rather than just a vague expression. זְעֵיר (zᵉʻêr, H6810) — often 'small' in size or number, sometimes interchangeable but can emphasize insignificance. מִסְפָּר (mispar, H4557) — 'number,' focusing on countable fewness rather than general scantiness. קָטָן (qāṭān, H6996) — 'small' or 'young,' typically describing size or age rather than quantity.

Word Details