קֹ֫מֶץ (qo.mets)
qo.mets
handful
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun qomets refers to a closed hand or fist, specifically denoting the quantity held within that grip: a handful. In the biblical text, it appears in only three verses, primarily within the ritual instructions of Leviticus and the narrative of Genesis. The word captures a precise physical action—the scooping or grasping motion—rather than just an open palm.
This term is most significant in the context of grain offerings, where priests take a qomets of fine flour mixed with oil and incense to burn on the altar as a memorial portion (Leviticus 2:8-9). It also appears in Genesis 30:32, where Jacob proposes a arrangement with Laban regarding speckled livestock, using the phrase "every speckled one that is among the goats" which some translations link to the idea of selecting by hand or handful. The word emphasizes the tangible, limited measure offered or gathered.
The imagery of the fist suggests containment and possession. Unlike an open hand which might imply giving freely, a closed hand holds something tight. In sacrificial contexts, this small portion represents the entirety of what is being set apart for God from a larger supply. The physical act of taking a handful underscores the deliberate nature of the offering, marking it as distinct from the common use of the rest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qomets describes a handful—specifically the closed grip of a fist holding a measured amount. In ancient Israel, this was not just a random scoop but a deliberate act of taking a specific portion from a larger supply. When Leviticus instructs priests to take a qomets of fine flour mixed with oil and incense, it highlights the tangible nature of worship. It is a small, physical gesture that represents setting apart something valuable for God.
This imagery reminds us that faith often involves concrete actions rather than abstract thoughts. The closed hand suggests containment and possession, yet in offering, that held portion is given up. It shows that our devotion can be simple and specific. We do not need grand gestures to be meaningful; a sincere, measured act of giving is enough. This small measure stands as a memorial, marking the moment as distinct from ordinary life.
Whether we are offering time, resources, or attention, the principle remains the same. God values the deliberate heart behind the act. The handful is a symbol of focused intention, showing that even small offerings, when given with purpose, hold significant weight in our spiritual lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- handful/ his2×
- to/ handfuls1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֻמְצ֜/וֹ1×
- קֻמְצ֗/וֹ1×
- לִ/קְמָצִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
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Leviticus 2:2
He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests. He shall take his handful of its fine flour, and of its oil, with all its frankincense, and the priest shall burn its memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.
This verse establishes the primary ritual use of qomets, where the priest takes a handful of flour and oil to burn as a memorial portion, defining the term's sacred context.
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Leviticus 5:12
He shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it as the memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, on the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. It is a sin offering.
Here the handful is taken from a sin offering, showing that even in moments of failure or guilt, the physical act of setting apart a portion remains central to seeking restoration.
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Genesis 41:47
In the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly.
While this verse does not contain the word qomets, it describes the abundance that made such measured offerings possible, providing the broader economic context for the grain offerings.