כָּתִית (ka.tit)
ka.tit
beaten
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective kâtîth describes something that has been beaten or pounded into a fine state. In the biblical text, it appears exclusively to qualify olive oil, referring specifically to oil produced by crushing olives in a mortar rather than pressing them. This labor-intensive method yielded a product of exceptional purity and richness, making it significantly more valuable than standard cooking oil.
The word carries connotations of costliness and refinement because the process required great effort to extract the highest quality liquid. It is used four times in the Old Testament, primarily within the instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus and Numbers, where it denotes the premium oil reserved for sacred anointing and lighting the menorah. The term highlights the care taken to prepare materials worthy of holy use.
This specific terminology underscores the distinction between ordinary sustenance and consecrated worship. By specifying "beaten" oil, the text emphasizes that approaching God required the best resources available, not just what was convenient or cheap. The adjective serves as a marker of excellence and devotion in the ritual life of ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kâtîth describes olive oil that has been carefully crushed and pounded to achieve maximum purity. In ancient Israel, this was not just cooking fuel; it was a precious resource reserved for the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The process required significant labor, ensuring that only the finest oil was used to light the menorah or anoint priests.
This detail reminds us that approaching God is meant to be done with intention and care. It suggests that our worship should reflect the best of what we have, not out of legalism, but from a heart that values holiness. The effort put into preparing the oil mirrors the devotion required in our spiritual lives.
When you read these instructions, consider how your own life might be 'beaten' or refined through difficult seasons. Just as the olive must be crushed to release its oil, we often find our deepest strength and clarity when we allow God to work through challenges. This brings a sense of hope that our struggles can produce something pure and lasting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pressed4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּתִ֖ית3×
- כָּתִית֙1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 27:20
“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
This verse establishes the primary purpose of kâtîth oil: to keep the lamp burning continually in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's constant presence.
-
Leviticus 24:2
“Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
Repeating the command here emphasizes that maintaining the light was a permanent duty for the Israelites, requiring consistent provision of this specific oil.
-
Exodus 29:40
and with the one lamb a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering.
The inclusion of beaten oil in the daily grain offering shows that even routine worship rituals required high-quality materials to honor God.