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קַלַּי

𐤒𐤋𐤉

Qalay

H7040 noun

SILEX Entry

Root קלל to be light, to be swift, to be of little weight or esteem

Definition

Kallai, a personal name borne by one or more individuals in post-exilic Israelite lists. The name likely (though not with certainty) derives from a root meaning 'to be light, swift, easy,' and as a name may denote someone considered light, nimble, or perhaps cheerful in disposition. Used solely as a proper noun for an Israelite individual.

Semantic Range

proper name Kallai; possibly 'light,' 'nimble,' 'quick,' (as an anthroponymic meaning), but not an active descriptor; not used as a common noun

Root / Etymology

Uncertain. Traditionally derived from the root קָלַל (q-l-l, 'to be light, swift, of little weight or esteem'), with a formation pattern suggesting a substantivized or adjectival personal name. The specific nuance intended in the name's use is uncertain, as the form קַלַּי does not occur outside of personal names.

Historical & Contextual Notes

קַלַּי (Qallai) is attested in post-exilic genealogical lists (e.g., Nehemiah 12:20), referring to an Israelite priestly figure associated with the return from Babylonian exile. The name's occurrence is strictly as a proper noun; there is no evidence it was used as a common noun or descriptor. The meaning 'frivolous' is conjectural, based on its association with the root קָלַל; however, in personal names, root meanings often indicate hoped-for qualities (such as quickness or brightness), and negative senses ('frivolous, trivial') may not be intended. It is not a term for an ethnic, geographic, or religious identity, but strictly an anthroponym. Later translations or commentary that render this as 'Kallai' or assimilate it to English forms do not affect its Hebrew meaning. No significant semantic development is observable, due to its extremely limited use.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from קָלַל; frivolous; Kallai, an Israelite; Kallai.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

קלל (q-l-l) — to be light, to be swift, to be of little weight or esteem

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7031 קַל the light one
H7032 קָל light
H7043 קָלַל his despising him
H7044 קָלָל burnished bright
H7045 קְלָלָה the despising-curse

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7040-01 קַלָּ֖י qalay HNp Kallai Kallai 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7040-01 Nehemiah 12:20 קַלָּ֖י qalay HNp Kallai Kallai
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