קָלַל
To be (causatively, make ) light , literally ( swift , small , sharp , etc.) or figuratively ( easy , trifling , vile , etc.)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does קָלַל (qālal) mean in the Bible?
קָלַל (qālal) is a Hebrew word meaning "to be (causatively, make ) light , literally ( swift , small , sharp , etc.) or figuratively ( easy , trifling , vile , etc.)". to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.
Meaning
Core semantic shift from physical lightness to moral degradation; cursing involves making someone light or worthless.
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.) BDB: be slight Usage: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), × slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 9×
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 8×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 17×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 6×
Pilpel 2×
Pual intensive passive — intensive action received by the subject 2×
Pealal 1×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Biblical Witnesses
Showing 8 of 82 occurrences in the biblical text.