קְטַר (qe.tar)

qe.tar

joint

H7001 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

A:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun qe.tar refers primarily to a joint or knot in the body, specifically appearing in Daniel to describe the joints of the hips. In these physical contexts, it denotes the point where limbs connect, highlighting the structural integrity of the human form.

Beyond anatomy, the word carries a metaphorical sense of difficulty or doubt. This figurative usage suggests that a "joint" can also be a problem or an obstacle, perhaps implying a place where movement is restricted or a knot that is hard to untie. The sources indicate this abstract meaning appears in the same biblical books as the literal one.

With only three occurrences in Scripture, all found in Daniel, the word remains rare. Its dual nature—connecting body parts while also symbolizing hindrance—offers a nuanced view of how physical structure can mirror spiritual or intellectual challenges.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word qe.tar describes the physical joints that hold our bodies together. In Daniel 5:6, it depicts the king’s thighs becoming loose and his knees knocking together in fear. This vivid image shows how profound stress can physically unravel a person, reminding us that we are fragile creatures who need strength beyond ourselves.

Yet the same word also appears in verses where Daniel is praised for dissolving doubts. Here, qe.tar shifts from anatomy to meaning. It suggests that confusion and uncertainty are like knots in the mind. Just as joints allow movement, understanding allows us to navigate life’s complexities. When we face unclear situations, we can trust that wisdom is available to untie those mental knots.

This rare word invites us to look at our own weaknesses and questions with honesty. We do not have to pretend to be unshakable or always have answers. Instead, we can bring our physical frailties and intellectual doubts to God, knowing that He provides the clarity and strength we lack on our own.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

knots1×
and/ knots1×
and/ [the] joints of1×

Forms in the text

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

קִטְרִ֗ין1×
וְ/קִטְרֵ֤י1×
וְ/קִטְרִ֣ין1×

Key Verses

Daniel 5:6
Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another.

This verse uses qe.tar literally to describe the physical loosening of the king's thighs, illustrating how terror can overwhelm even the strongest ruler.
Daniel 5:12
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”

Here the word appears in a figurative sense, praising Daniel for his ability to dissolve doubts and interpret difficult messages.
Daniel 5:16
But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

The king reiterates Daniel’s gift for dissolving doubts, linking the resolution of confusion with divine wisdom rather than human power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does qe.tar mean in the Bible?

Qe.tar primarily means joint or knot in the body. In Daniel, it describes the physical joints of the king’s thighs loosening in fear. It also appears figuratively to describe doubts or confusing matters that need to be untied or resolved.

Why is this word only found in Daniel?

This noun is rare, appearing only three times in Scripture. All occurrences are in the book of Daniel because the text specifically uses it to describe both the king’s physical reaction to the writing and Daniel’s spiritual gift for interpreting difficult messages.

How is qe.tar different from other words for joint?

While other Hebrew words like gomen (H1540) refer generally to joints or knees, qe.tar carries a dual meaning. It can mean a physical connection point but also a knot of confusion or doubt that requires wisdom to loosen.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Daniel 3 verses

Daniel 5:6

Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and…

Daniel 5:12

because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and…

Daniel 5:16

But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and…