קַט
𐤒𐤈
qaṭ
H6985 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverb and (rarely) an adjective denoting 'a little,' 'merely,' 'only,' 'just a bit,' or 'very small/insignificant amount.' Indicates limitation in extent, degree, or quantity, often minimizing or qualifying the preceding statement. Its use emphasizes paucity or restriction, sometimes with a concessive or intensifying force ('just,' 'barely,' 'merely').
Semantic Range
a little, a small amount, only, merely, just, very small/insignificant amount
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root קָטַט (qatat), meaning 'to be small, insignificant, cut off.' The form קַט appears to be a nominal or adverbial derivative indicating the idea of littleness, slightness, or brevity. The process involves movement from the notion of 'cutting down/reducing' (root meaning) to a general sense of smallness or limitation in application.
Historical & Contextual Notes
קַט is rare in Biblical Hebrew, typically functioning as an adverb indicating limitation ('only,' 'just a little'). Its contexts are often rhetorical or polemical, qualifying the scope or force of a claim. The word is primarily attested in post-exilic and later poetic passages; its usage may reflect linguistic development toward more nuanced adverbial expressions of limitation or emphasis, which are common in Aramaic and later Hebrew. Distinct from similar terms such as מְעַט (me'at, 'a little, few'), which has a broader and more frequent use to denote quantity, קַט carries a slightly more restrictive or minimizing nuance. English translations may not always capture this subtlety, rendering it as 'very,' 'merely,' or 'just,' depending on context. In the limited biblical attestations, it serves to restrict or downplay the amount or significance of an action or descriptor rather than to indicate quantity in a literal sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קָטַט in the sense of abbreviation; a little, i.e. (adverbially) merely; very.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קטט (q-ṭ-ṭ) — to be small, to cut off, to diminish
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6990 | קָטַט | he will cut off |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6985-01 |
קָ֔ט | qat | HAamsa |
very | a small amount | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6985-01 |
Ezekiel 16:47 | קָ֔ט | qat | HAamsa |
very | a small amount |