מְעַט

The Hebrew term *meʿaṭ* possesses a broad semantic range, primarily denoting "little," "few," or "some." It can function as an adjective describing a small quantity (e.g., "a little food" in Genesis 43:2), an adverb indicating a short duration of time (e.g., "a little moment" in Isaiah 26:20), or a small degree (e.g., "almost" or "lightly"). The word often carries a sense of limitation, whether of resources, time, or people. This broad usage allows for it to describe both tangible and intangible concepts, from the amount of water (Genesis 24:17) to the number of people (Psalm 105:12) or the brevity of a period of grace (Ezra 9:8).

In some contexts, *meʿaṭ* can also imply insignificance or a lack of power, particularly when contrasted with "many" or "much." For instance, 1 Samuel 14:6 demonstrates that God's ability to save is not dependent on a large army but can be accomplished "by many or by few." This highlights a theological point: God's power is not constrained by human limitations. The term can also be used in a comparative sense to emphasize a smallness relative to something larger, as seen in the phrase "better is little with the fear of the LORD" in Proverbs 15:16, where a small amount accompanied by righteousness is deemed superior to abundant wealth without it.