קָצֵר (qa.tser)
qa.tser
be short; to reap
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qatsar carries two distinct meanings that are connected by a shared sense of limitation or conclusion. In its primary sense, it means to be short, often describing physical brevity or emotional states like impatience and grief. This usage appears in contexts where something is cut off or lacks length, reflecting a state of being restricted.
A second major meaning is to reap or harvest. Here, the word describes the act of cutting down crops, bringing the growing season to an end. This agricultural sense is prominent in books like Ruth and Leviticus, where it details the practical work of gathering grain. The connection between the two meanings lies in the idea of ending something: whether it is a period of time, a physical space, or the life cycle of a plant.
Translators must carefully distinguish between these senses based on context. In Ruth 2, for instance, qatsar clearly refers to the reaping of barley, while in other passages, it might describe someone who is short-tempered or physically small. This dual nature highlights how Hebrew often links physical actions with emotional or spiritual conditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qatsar bridges the physical act of harvesting with the human experience of limitation. In its agricultural sense, it describes the careful gathering of grain, a practice that reminded ancient Israelites to leave portions for the poor and stranger. This rhythm of work and rest, provision and generosity, grounds our daily labor in divine care. When we engage in honest work, we participate in a cycle that honors both God and neighbor.
In other contexts, qatsar captures moments when strength feels diminished or patience wears thin. It acknowledges the reality of feeling 'short' on resources, energy, or time. Scripture does not dismiss these feelings but places them within a broader narrative of God’s faithfulness. Even when our capacity seems limited, the same God who commands the harvest also sustains those who wait upon Him.
This duality invites us to view our struggles and our work through a single lens: both are part of a larger story where God provides. Whether we are gathering crops or enduring difficult seasons, we are held by a Creator who understands both the fullness of the harvest and the weight of the wait. This understanding brings peace, knowing that our limitations do not exceed His grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ harvesters6×
- you will harvest3×
- and/ it was short3×
- they will reap2×
- it is [too] short2×
- he will reap2×
- and/ when/ harvest/ you2×
- and/ reap2×
- ¿/ really <to be short>1×
- ¿/ is it short1×
- you will reap1×
- you have reaped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/תִּקְצַ֥ר3×
- וְ/קִצְר֛וּ2×
- תִּקְצֹֽרְנָה\׃1×
- תִּקְצָ֑ר1×
- תִקְצֹר֩1×
- תִקְצַ֥ר1×
- תִקְצְרוּ֙1×
- תִקְצ֔וֹר1×
- תִקְצ֑וֹר1×
- קוֹצֵ֗ר1×
- קֹצְרִ֥ים1×
- קָצָ֔רוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 19:9
“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest.
This verse establishes qatsar as a command to harvest with generosity, ensuring the vulnerable have access to food.
-
Ruth 2:3
She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
Here qatsar describes the reapers in Boaz's field, highlighting the ordinary labor that becomes the setting for divine providence.
-
Numbers 11:23
Yahweh said to Moses, “Has Yahweh’s hand grown short? Now you will see whether my word will happen to you or not.”
The phrase 'hand grown short' uses qatsar metaphorically to question whether God’s power is insufficient to fulfill His promise.
-
Psalms 126:5
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
This famous verse pairs sowing with reaping, using qatsar to illustrate the transition from sorrow to joy through God's faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does qatsar mean in the Bible?
How is qatsar different from other words for harvest?
Why does Numbers 11:23 use qatsar for God's hand?
Does qatsar appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (42 verses across 17 books)
Leviticus 5 verses
“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather…
Leviticus 23:10“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you have come into the land which I give to you, and shall reap…
Leviticus 23:22“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you must not wholly reap into the corners of your field. You must not gather…
Leviticus 25:5What grows of itself in your harvest you shall not reap, and you shall not gather the grapes of your undressed vine. It…
Leviticus 25:11That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you. In it you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself, nor…