Lexical Summary qeton: Small, little, insignificant Original Word: קֹטֶן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance little finger From qaton; a pettiness, i.e. The little finger -- little finger. see HEBREW qaton NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qaton Definition little (finger) NASB Translation little finger (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [קְטֹן] noun masculine little (finger); — suffix קָטֳנִּי (= קָטָנִּי van d. H. in Chronicles; compare Köii.69 Ges§ 93q), 1 Kings 12:10 2Chronicles 10:10. Topical Lexicon Canonical Setting The term קֹטֶן appears exclusively within the united monarchy narrative of 1 Kings 12 and its chronicled parallel in 2 Chronicles 10. Both passages recount the pivotal assembly at Shechem where Solomon’s son Rehoboam confronts the petition of the northern tribes for lighter labor and tax loads. Occurrences • 1 Kings 12:10 – “The young men who had grown up with him replied, ‘Tell them, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.”’ ” (Berean Standard Bible) Narrative Context Rehoboam has two advisory circles: Solomon’s seasoned counselors urge leniency; his peers counsel severity, encapsulated in the boast involving the “little finger.” The king embraces the harsh advice, triggering Israel’s secession and birthing the northern kingdom. Thus, קֹטֶן serves as the verbal hinge upon which the united kingdom fractures. Figurative Meaning and Rhetoric The “little finger” represents an exaggerated contrast between minimal personal strength and the robust “waist” of Solomon. Hebrew rhetoric often employs corporeal hyperbole (for example, “horn” for power or “hand” for authority). Here, Rehoboam’s cohorts promise burdens so great that even what is smallest in the new king will surpass what was greatest in Solomon. The image intensifies their counsel’s arrogance and cruelty. Historical and Cultural Background Near-Eastern monarchs regularly demonstrated ascendancy by public assertions of might. Rehoboam’s threat mirrors ancient diplomatic boasts intended to cow vassals. However, in Israel such hubris clashes with covenantal ideals of servant-leadership embodied by Moses, David, and ultimately the Messiah. Theological Themes 1. Pride precedes division: Rehoboam’s ostentation exemplifies Proverbs 16:18. Ministry and Leadership Applications • Servant-leadership over authoritarianism: Jesus contrasts tyrannical rulers who “lord it over” others with kingdom greatness defined by service (Matthew 20:25-28). Rehoboam’s “little finger” threat provides the antithesis. Inter-Textual Echoes and Broader Biblical Patterns The motif of oppressive labor recalls Egyptian bondage (Exodus 1:11-14), underscoring irony: the king of Israel now resembles Pharaoh. Later prophets criticize such exploitation (Isaiah 10:1-2; Micah 3:1-3), demonstrating canonical coherence on just governance. Christological and Redemptive Trajectory Where Rehoboam magnified himself, Jesus “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7). The Messiah’s humility gathers a divided people into one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16), reversing the rupture symbolized by קֹטֶן. Summary קֹטֶן, though a minor anatomical term, carries outsized weight in Scripture. Through a single pointed metaphor, it exposes human pride, catalyzes national schism, and contrasts worldly domination with the servant-heart of God’s chosen King. For believers and leaders today, the “little finger” warns against self-aggrandizement and beckons toward humble, covenant-faithful service. Forms and Transliterations קָֽטָנִּ֥י קטני katanNi qā·ṭān·nî qāṭānnîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 12:10 HEB: תְּדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם קָֽטָנִּ֥י עָבָ֖ה מִמָּתְנֵ֥י NAS: for us!' But you shall speak to them, 'My little finger is thicker KJV: unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little [finger] shall be thicker INT: shall speak to my little is thicker loins 2 Chronicles 10:10 2 Occurrences |
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