קָצֵר (qa.tser)
qa.tser
short
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective qatsar describes something that is short in physical dimension, quantity, or duration. It applies to tangible objects like a small field or a brief period of time, such as a short life. In these contexts, the word simply marks a lack of length or extent without inherent negative judgment.
However, the term carries a distinct emotional nuance when applied to people. It frequently translates to "impatient" or "quick-tempered," describing a spirit that lacks endurance and reacts hastily. This usage appears in wisdom literature, where it contrasts with the steady patience valued in Proverbs and Job.
Its root relates to cutting or ending, which explains its dual sense of brevity. Whether referring to a short stay or a short fuse, the word points to an abrupt conclusion. Translators capture this range by choosing between "short" for physical descriptions and "impatient" for character traits.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This Hebrew word carries two distinct meanings that reflect different aspects of human experience. When applied to objects or time, it simply describes something brief or small. A short life or a fleeting moment are neutral facts of existence. This usage reminds us that our time on earth is limited, inviting gratitude for the days we have rather than anxiety about their length.
When applied to people, however, the word shifts to describe impatience or a quick temper. In Proverbs, this trait is contrasted with wisdom. Being slow to anger reflects deep understanding, while being quick-tempered reveals folly. This distinction helps us see that patience is not just a virtue but a sign of spiritual maturity and self-control.
Understanding this word encourages us to examine our own reactions. Do we rush to judgment or anger? Or do we cultivate the steady endurance that honors God? Recognizing our tendency toward haste allows us to seek divine help in slowing down, trusting that God’s timing is perfect even when our own feels insufficient.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [were] short of2×
- and/ [a person] short of1×
- [is] short of1×
- [a person] short of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִצְרֵי\־2×
- קְצַ֥ר1×
- קְֽצַר\־1×
- וּ/קְצַר\־1×
Key Verses
-
Job 14:1
“Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.
This verse uses the word to describe the brevity of human life, highlighting its fleeting nature and inherent trouble.
-
Proverbs 14:29
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Here the term characterizes a quick temper as folly, directly contrasting it with the wisdom found in being slow to anger.
-
Proverbs 14:17
He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.
The word describes someone who is quick to anger, linking this impulsive reaction to foolish actions and social alienation.