קֹטֶן
𐤒𐤈𐤍
qôṭen
H6995 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Little finger; the smallest finger of the hand, typically the fifth digit. Used in biblical contexts specifically to contrast the smallest or least part of a hand with greater parts (such as the loins or the whole hand), often as a metaphor for weakness, smallness, or, in hyperbolic usage, for power when referenced in comparison to the hand of a predecessor.
Semantic Range
little finger, smallest finger, pinky (anatomical); by metaphor, smallest or least strength, a minor part used in contrast with something greater
Root / Etymology
The word קֹטֶן (qôṭen) is derived from the root קָטֹן (q-ṭ-n), meaning 'to be small' or 'to be insignificant.' The formation denotes the diminutive or smallest part, specifically of the hand — the pinky finger.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, קֹטֶן appears rarely (notably in 1 Kings 12:10 and 2 Chronicles 10:10) in the context of royal speeches, where it is contrasted with 'loins' to express the idea that the speaker's least strength (his little finger) surpasses the greatest strength (the loins) of his predecessor. This usage is both literal (referring to the anatomical finger) and highly figurative, emphasizing superiority or harshness. The term does not carry specific cultural or religious identity connotations beyond its anatomical and metaphorical senses. English translations frequently render קֹטֶן as 'little finger' or 'pinky,' but often do not fully preserve the rhetorical force of the original Hebrew expression. The metaphor is specific to royal boasting or policy declaration and does not appear elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible, nor does it refer generically to all small things or fingers.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קָטֹן; a pettiness, i.e. the little finger; little finger.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קטן (q-ṭ-n) — to be small, to be insignificant, to diminish
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6995-01 |
קָֽטָנִּ֥/י | qatani | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my little finger | my little finger | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6995-01 |
1 Kings 12:10 | קָֽטָנִּ֥/י | qatani | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my little finger | my little finger |
H6995-01 |
2 Chronicles 10:10 | קָֽטָנִּ֥/י | qatani | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my little finger | my little finger |