GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

קָלַט (qa.lat)

qa.lat

be stunted

H7038 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb qālaṭ describes an animal that is stunted, deformed, or physically handicapped. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 22:23, where it refers to a sacrificial offering that lacks proper physical completeness.

In this context, the word highlights the requirement for unblemished animals. A creature described as qālaṭ is considered defective and therefore unacceptable for altar offerings, emphasizing the theological standard of perfection in worship rituals.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word qālaṭ describes an animal that is stunted or physically deformed, rendering it unacceptable for sacrifice in ancient Israel. In Leviticus 22:23, this term highlights the requirement for unblemished offerings, emphasizing a standard of physical perfection in worship rituals.

For your faith, this detail underscores the seriousness with which God approached holiness. It reminds us that worship is not casual but requires reverence and purity. While the Old Testament law focused on external perfection, it points toward a deeper spiritual reality where true wholeness matters most.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ [having] something stunted1×

Forms in the text

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

  • וְ/קָל֑וּט1×

Key Verses

  • Leviticus 22:23
    Either a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in his parts, that you may offer for a free will offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

    This verse uses qālaṭ to specify that stunted animals, whether bulls or lambs, are rejected even as free-will offerings, reinforcing the strict standard of physical completeness required for altar sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word qālaṭ mean?

Qālaṭ means to be stunted, deformed, or physically handicapped. It appears only once in the Old Testament, describing an animal that lacks physical completeness and is therefore unfit for sacrifice.

Where does qālaṭ appear in the Bible?

It occurs in Leviticus 22:23, where it refers to a bull or lamb with deformities that cannot be offered as a vow or free-will offering. This single usage emphasizes the requirement for unblemished animals in worship.

Why was a stunted animal unacceptable for sacrifice?

Ancient Israelite law required offerings to be physically perfect as a sign of reverence and holiness. A stunted animal, described by qālaṭ, represented imperfection and thus failed to meet the standard for altar sacrifices.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)