Lexical Summary
qalat: To gather, to collect, to assemble
Original Word:קָלַט
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:qalat
Pronunciation:kah-LAHT
Phonetic Spelling:(kaw-lat')
KJV: lacking in his parts
NASB:stunted
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to maim
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
lacking in his parts
A primitive root; to maim -- lacking in his parts.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitionto be stunted
NASB Translationstunted (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. [] (? = I. ; properly
be drawn in ? compare Arabic
very short); —
Passive participleLeviticus 22:23 sacrifice animal, overgrown orstunted.
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Scopeקָלַט (qalat, Strong’s 7038) depicts an animal whose limbs have failed to grow to full proportion, producing a “stunted” or “dwarfed” appearance. Though related to physical deformity, the term is narrowly applied to sacrificial animals, distinguishing a particular kind of imperfection that renders an offering unacceptable for certain purposes in the sanctuary.
Old Testament Usage
OnlyLeviticus 22:23 contains קָלַט:
“You may, however, present as a freewill offering an ox or a sheep that is deformed or stunted, but it will not be accepted in fulfillment of a vow.” (Berean Standard Bible)
Here קָלַט is paired with “deformed” (שָׂרוּעַ, saruaʿ) to describe two different categories of blemish. While a voluntary freewill offering might include a stunted animal, any votive or vow‐related sacrifice demanded a flawless specimen. The single occurrence sharpens the focus: קָלַט is not a broad term for imperfection but a specific disqualification within the sacrificial code.
Historical and Cultic Background
Levitical law carefully guarded the holiness of the altar. From the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:5) to the daily Tamid (Numbers 28:3), sacrificial animals symbolized completeness and purity. The priestly legislation inLeviticus 22:17–25—into which קָלַט is woven—was communicated after the tabernacle’s inauguration to ensure Israel’s corporate worship reflected the perfection of Yahweh. Blemishes, even those as subtle as stunted growth, undermined that symbolism.
Theological Significance
1. Holiness of God
A stunted animal failed to mirror the wholeness of the God to whom it was offered. By excluding קָלַט animals from vow sacrifices, the Law underscored that the Lord “is perfect in His work” (Deuteronomy 32:4) and expects offerings consistent with His nature.
2. Integrity of Vows
Vows bound the worshiper to heightened obligations (Numbers 30:2). Presenting a stunted animal would diminish the gravity of that commitment. Accepting a קָלַט creature only for a freewill offering preserved the voluntary character of personal gratitude without diluting the stricter standards governing pledged sacrifices.
3. Foreshadowing of the Perfect Sacrifice
The meticulous avoidance of blemish—including stunted growth—prefigured “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19). The exclusion of קָלַט animals magnifies the absolute perfection of the Messiah’s atoning work.
Ethical and Prophetic Echoes
Malachi 1:8 rebukes priests who accepted blind and lame offerings: “Try presenting that to your governor—would he be pleased with you?” The prophet assumed familiarity with Leviticus’ blemish laws, including קָלַט, to expose Israel’s declining reverence. The principle endures: offering God our leftovers betrays a heart untouched by His majesty.
Christological Fulfillment
Hebrews 9:14 proclaims, “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences.” Every proscription—deformed, blind, lame, stunted—culminates in the flawless self‐offering of the Son. By fulfilling the Law’s demand for perfection, He abolishes the entire catalog of disqualifying defects, including קָלַט, for all who trust in Him.
Practical Ministry Applications
• Worship: Congregations should bring their best—time, resources, abilities—avoiding “stunted” service that costs little (2 Samuel 24:24).
• Leadership: Elders and ministers model wholehearted devotion, rejecting half‐grown discipleship.
• Stewardship: Believers examine whether their giving reflects the excellence God requires rather than a token gesture.
• Personal Holiness: Sanctification aims at full maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13), the antithesis of spiritual stunting.
Related Terms and Concepts
• מוּם (mum) – general blemish.
• פִסֵּחַ (pisseach) – lame.
• עִוֵּר (ʿiwer) – blind.
Each serves the same theological trajectory: to highlight God’s perfection and point to the flawless Lamb.
Summary
Though appearing only once, קָלַט contributes a precise stroke to the Levitical portrait of holy worship. By barring stunted animals from vow offerings, Scripture upholds divine perfection, safeguards the sacredness of human promises, and directs faith toward the unblemished Christ. The concept challenges every generation to render God wholehearted, uncrippled devotion.
Forms and Transliterations
וְקָל֑וּט וקלוט vekaLut wə·qā·lūṭ wəqālūṭ
Links
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Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
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