קָמַט (qa.mat)
qa.mat
to seize
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qamats means to seize or grab hold of something with force. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the book of Job. In these instances, the word describes a violent act of taking hold, often implying urgency or aggression rather than a gentle grasp.
Its usage highlights the intensity of the situations described. When Job speaks of being seized, he conveys a sense of sudden, overwhelming contact that leaves no room for escape. The Pual stem, meaning to be snatched away prematurely, further emphasizes this lack of control, suggesting that life can be cut short by an external force beyond one’s power to resist.
Though rare, qamats provides a vivid picture of physical and spiritual vulnerability. It reminds readers that some experiences are not chosen but imposed, challenging the human desire for autonomy. The word’s brevity in Scripture underscores how specific moments of crisis can define entire narratives, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb qamats describes a forceful seizing or grabbing. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Job. In these contexts, it conveys a sudden and overwhelming contact that leaves no room for escape. This imagery helps us understand moments when life feels out of our control.
Job uses this word to express his deep vulnerability. He feels shriveled up by circumstances beyond his power to resist. This reminds us that some experiences are imposed upon us, not chosen. Even in such distress, we are seen and known by God.
When you face situations where you feel powerless, remember that your suffering does not mean you are abandoned. The Bible acknowledges the reality of sudden hardship. It invites you to bring your honest feelings to God, trusting in His presence even when life feels like it is being snatched away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were snatched away1×
- and/ you have seized/ me1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֻמְּט֥וּ1×
- וַֽ֭/תִּקְמְטֵ/נִי1×
Key Verses
-
Job 16:8
You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.
This verse uses the Pual stem of qamats to describe Job feeling shriveled up, emphasizing his physical and spiritual vulnerability as a witness against him.
-
Job 22:16
who were snatched away before their time, whose foundation was poured out as a stream,
Here the word describes those who were snatched away before their time, highlighting the suddenness and lack of control in premature death.