קֹצֶר
𐤒𐤑𐤓
qôtser
H7115 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or condition of being short, particularly as it pertains to the spirit or temperament; denotes impatience, vexation, or anguish in emotional or mental experience. The word expresses a constriction or narrowing of spirit, often implying a lack of endurance, tolerance, or forbearance, resulting in emotional distress or irritability.
Semantic Range
shortness of spirit, impatience, irritability, emotional distress, anguish, vexation, discouragement
Root / Etymology
Root: קצר (q-tz-r), meaning 'to be short,' 'to shorten,' or 'to reap.' The form קֹצֶר is a masculine noun denoting the abstract concept of 'shortness.' In context, 'shortness of spirit' refers metaphorically to impatience or exasperation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, קֹצֶר is most commonly seen in the phrase קֹצֶר רוּחַ ('shortness of spirit'), indicating mental or emotional impatience, frustration, or distress. This is exemplified in Exodus 6:9, where the Israelites' hard labor led to their inability to heed encouragement, described as קֹצֶר רוּחַ וּמֵעֲבֹדָה קָשָׁה ('shortness of spirit and harsh labour'). The phrase does not denote a physical brevity but rather a psychological state of being unable to endure continued hardship or oppression. While English translations often render this as 'impatience,' 'discouragement,' or 'despondency,' the image is one of the spirit being constricted or unable to expand. Related terms include קָצַר (to be short, to reap) and קְצָרָה (narrowness, distress). קֹצֶר is less about agricultural reaping and strictly refers to an emotional or psychological condition. Usage of the term appears primarily in narrative or poetic contexts concerning the Israelite community under duress, and its meaning remains consistent throughout the Hebrew Bible. Later developments in post-biblical Hebrew tend to generalize the root's meaning to all forms of shortness or brevity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קָצַר; shortness (of spirit), i.e. impatience; anguish.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קצר (q-ṣ-r) — to be short, to shorten, to reap
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7115-01 |
מִ/קֹּ֣צֶר | miqotser | HR/Ncmsc |
because of shortness of | from shortness of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7115-01 |
Exodus 6:9 | מִ/קֹּ֣צֶר | miqotser | HR/Ncmsc |
because of shortness of | from shortness of |