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מִזְעָר (miz.ar)

miz.ar

little

H4213 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew word miz‘ar denotes a small quantity, translating variously as "a little," "a trifle," or "a few." It functions as a measure of insufficiency, describing something too minor to be significant on its own. In the Old Testament, it appears only four times, with a notable concentration in the book of Isaiah.

Its usage highlights two distinct nuances: a small amount of time and a remnant of people. When applied to time, it suggests brevity, while in numerical contexts, it refers to a very few survivors or a tiny remainder. This distinction is crucial for understanding prophetic passages where the survival of a small group becomes central to God’s plan.

Translators often render miz‘ar as "little" or "few," though the English terms can sometimes lack the specific connotation of insignificance present in the Hebrew. The word underscores the contrast between human perception of scarcity and divine provision, emphasizing that even a small remnant holds weight in the biblical narrative.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word miz‘ar reminds us that small beginnings matter deeply to God. In Isaiah, it often describes a tiny remnant or a brief moment of waiting. When life feels overwhelming, this Hebrew term offers comfort: even the smallest group of faithful people holds significance in God’s plan.

Consider Isaiah 10:25, where God promises that His anger will last only a very little while. This assurance helps us trust that difficult seasons are temporary. We do not need to see the full picture right now; God sees the end and works through small, seemingly insignificant steps.

Whether facing personal trials or global uncertainty, remember that God values faithfulness in small things. Your quiet obedience, like a tiny remnant, is never overlooked. He uses what seems minor to accomplish His greater purposes, bringing hope where there is scarcity.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • smallness2×
  • a little2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • מִזְעָֽר\׃1×
  • מִזְעָ֖ר1×
  • מִזְעָ֔ר1×
  • מִזְעָ֑ר1×

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 10:25
    For yet a very little while, and the indignation against you will be accomplished, and my anger will be directed to his destruction.”

    This verse uses miz‘ar to emphasize the brevity of God's discipline, assuring Israel that judgment is temporary and His anger will soon pass.

  • Isaiah 16:14
    But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble.”

    Here the word highlights the stark contrast between Moab's former greatness and its eventual small, feeble remnant, showing how God humbles pride.

  • Isaiah 29:17
    Isn’t it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be regarded as a forest?

    The phrase 'very little while' signals an imminent reversal of fortunes, promising that Lebanon will soon become a fruitful field again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does miz‘ar mean in the Bible?

Miz‘ar means 'little' or 'few,' describing a small quantity, brief time, or tiny remnant. It appears only four times in the Old Testament, primarily in Isaiah to highlight God's work through small groups or short periods.

Why is miz‘ar important in Isaiah?

In Isaiah, it underscores that God’s plans often unfold through small beginnings or brief moments of waiting. It reassures readers that even a tiny remnant of faithful people holds significant weight in God's redemptive history.

How is miz‘ar different from other words for 'small'?

While other Hebrew words simply mean small, miz‘ar often carries a nuance of insufficiency or transience. It emphasizes that what seems minor to humans is still meaningful and purposeful in God's eyes.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

Isaiah 4 verses
Isaiah 10:25

For yet a very little while, and the indignation against you will be accomplished, and my anger will be directed to his…

Isaiah 16:14

But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of…

Isaiah 24:6

Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell therein are found guilty. Therefore the inhabitants of…

Isaiah 29:17

Isn’t it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be…