What does קָטַף mean in the Bible?
קָטַף is a Hebrew word meaning "to strip off".
Hebrew · H6998
קָטַף
To strip off
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.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
קָטַףH6998
What does קָטַף mean in the Bible?
קָטַף is a Hebrew word meaning "to strip off".
Full entry for קָטַף (H6998) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H6998?
The BSB source-word alignment has 5 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include . . . (1), He plucked off (1), I will pluck (1), They plucked (1), you may pluck (1).
Where does קָטַף appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Deuteronomy 23:25. Its strongest book concentrations include Ezekiel (2), Job (2), Deuteronomy (1).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders It. . .1×Job 8:12
He plucked off1×Ezekiel 17:4
I will pluck1×Ezekiel 17:22
They plucked1×Job 30:4
you may pluck1×Deuteronomy 23:25
Show sample aligned rows
Deuteronomy 23:25וְקָטַפְתָּ֥toyou may pluckConjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singularJob 8:12יִקָּטֵ֑ףto. . .Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singularJob 30:4הַקֹּטְפִ֣יםtoThey pluckedArticle | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine pluralEzekiel 17:4קָטָ֑ףtoHe plucked offVerb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singularEzekiel 17:22אֶקְטֹ֔ףtoI will pluckVerb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowDeuteronomy 23:25
Aligned rows5
Books represented3
Deuteronomy1Job2Ezekiel2
Source forms
אֶקְטֹ֔ף1x’eq·ṭōp̄Ezekiel 17:22
הַקֹּטְפִ֣ים1xhaq·qō·ṭə·p̄îmJob 30:4
וְקָטַפְתָּ֥1xwə·qā·ṭap̄·tāDeuteronomy 23:25
יִקָּטֵ֑ף1xyiq·qā·ṭêp̄Job 8:12
קָטָ֑ף1xqā·ṭāp̄Ezekiel 17:4
Parsing patterns
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural1xJob 30:4
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular1xDeuteronomy 23:25
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular1xJob 8:12
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular1xEzekiel 17:22
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular1xEzekiel 17:4
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. to strip off
Source Gloss
to strip off
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
to strip off BDB: pluck off Usage: crop off, cut down (up), pluck.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups2Aligned forms3
Qalbasic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense2×
PerfectEzek 17:41×
ImperfectEzek 17:221×
Niphalpassive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action1×
ImperfectJob 8:121×
Word Origins
קָטַף is a primitive root - no further derivation.