קָטַף
𐤒𐤈𐤐
qâṭaph
H6998 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pluck or cut off, particularly of plants, fruits, or foliage; to detach a portion by breaking or severing from its source. The verb denotes the act of removing something quickly or forcibly, as one might with ripe fruit or branches. In some instances, the word may imply an element of premature removal or suddenness.
Semantic Range
to pluck (fruit, branches, leaves), to strip off (foliage), to cut down or off (plant matter), to detach suddenly, figuratively to remove decisevely or prematurely
Root / Etymology
Root is ק-ט-ף (קטף). The core root meaning is 'to pluck off, cut off, strip.' The verb derives directly from this root, indicating an action of detachment, especially with regard to vegetation. While the base sense is physical removal, specific application to agricultural contexts, such as harvesting, arises from the root's core meaning.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical usage, קָטַף (qâṭaph) is primarily attested in contexts involving the harvesting or premature removal of plant parts. Its nuance often emphasizes swift or forceful removal, contrasting with gentler terms for harvesting such as קצר (qatsar, 'to reap, harvest grain'). In poetic and prophetic sections, it may bear figurative meanings, such as cutting off life or destiny, paralleling the image of a branch plucked from a tree. Over time, the term appeared less frequently, with related verbs (e.g., קצר) becoming dominant in agricultural contexts. English translations usually render the word as 'pluck,' 'cut off,' or 'strip,' but sometimes these do not fully capture the swift or abrupt connotation that may be inherent in Hebrew. Usage does not appear to shift in post-exilic texts; the root remains tied to its basic sense of detaching, especially of vegetation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to strip off; crop off, cut down (up), pluck.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קטף (q-ṭ-p̄) — to pluck, to strip, to cut off
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6998-02 |
הַ/קֹּטְפִ֣ים | haqotefim | HTd/Vqrmpa |
who pluck | the pluckers | 1 |
H6998-01 |
אֶקְטֹ֔ף | eqetof | HVqi1cs |
I-will-crop-off | I will pluck off | 1 |
H6998-03 |
קָטָ֑ף | qataf | HVqp3ms |
he plucked off | he plucked off | 1 |
H6998-05 |
יִקָּטֵ֑ף | yiqatef | HVNi3ms |
cut down | he will be plucked off | 1 |
H6998-04 |
וְ/קָטַפְתָּ֥ | veqatafeta | HC/Vqq2ms |
then you may pluck | and you plucked off | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6998-04 |
Deuteronomy 23:26 | וְ/קָטַפְתָּ֥ | veqatafeta | HC/Vqq2ms |
then you may pluck | and you plucked off |
H6998-03 |
Ezekiel 17:4 | קָטָ֑ף | qataf | HVqp3ms |
he plucked off | he plucked off |
H6998-01 |
Ezekiel 17:22 | אֶקְטֹ֔ף | eqetof | HVqi1cs |
I-will-crop-off | I will pluck off |
H6998-05 |
Job 8:12 | יִקָּטֵ֑ף | yiqatef | HVNi3ms |
cut down | he will be plucked off |
H6998-02 |
Job 30:4 | הַ/קֹּטְפִ֣ים | haqotefim | HTd/Vqrmpa |
who pluck | the pluckers |