Original Word: קֹמֶץ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: qomets
Pronunciation: koh-mets
Phonetic Spelling: (ko'mets)
KJV: handful
NASB: abundantly, handful
Word Origin: [from H7061 (קָמַץ - take)]

1. a grasp, i.e. handful

handful

From qamats; a grasp, i.e. Handful -- handful.

see HEBREW qamats

Word Origin
from qamats
Definition
closed hand, fist
NASB Translation
abundantly (1), handful (1), handful* (2).

[קֹ֫מֶץ] noun [masculine] closed hand, fist; — suffix מְלֹא קֻמְצוֺ his fist-full Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 5:12; take up ׳בְּקLev 6:8 in his fist (all P); plural לִקְמָצִים Genesis 41:47 the earth yielded by handfuls (i.e. abundantly; E, according to most; P, Ball Holz, who questions text).

קמשׂ (√ of following; meaning unknown).

Meaning and Symbolism

The term denotes the small yet complete amount that can be grasped in a closed hand. In Scripture it functions not as an exact measurement but as a vivid picture of sufficiency, devotion, and divine provision—whether the bounty of harvest or the token portion offered back to God.

Occurrences and Contexts

Genesis 41:47 places the word in Joseph’s narrative: “During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully.” The Hebrew literally says it produced “by handfuls,” conveying extraordinary plenty that could barely be gathered fast enough.

Leviticus 2:2; 5:12; 6:15 all relate to the grain (or cereal) offering. In each case the priest “takes from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, along with all its frankincense,” and burns it on the altar. This handful represents the whole offering before the Lord; the remainder becomes food for the priests.

Theology of the Handful in Worship

1. Representation of the Whole: A single handful, though small, legally stood for the entire grain gift. It teaches that God receives a portion as emblematic of the worshiper’s total life (Romans 12:1).
2. Memorial before God: The Levitical text repeatedly calls this handful a “memorial portion,” reminding both worshiper and priest that all harvest belongs to the Lord who supplies seed to the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10).
3. Incense of Prayer: The frankincense mixed with the flour ascended in smoke, pairing material offering with the fragrance of prayer (Revelation 8:3–4). The handful thus unites physical stewardship and spiritual dependence.

Historical Background

In ancient Near Eastern agronomy, farmers reaped with one hand and deposited the cut stalks into the other; the “handful” naturally became an informal measure. Israelite worship embraced this everyday action and sanctified it at the tabernacle. The worshiper who brought a grain offering was often celebrating ordinary blessings—daily bread, harvest success, or a vow fulfilled (Leviticus 2:1). By restricting the burnt portion to a handful, the Law balanced reverence for God with practical care for the priesthood and the offerer’s family.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Stewardship: The concept encourages believers to dedicate the “first handful” of income or ability to the Lord, trusting Him to multiply the rest.
• Intercessory Prayer: As the incense-filled handful rose, so churches today lift prayers together with tangible acts of generosity, embodying both substance and supplication.
• Teaching on Contentment: Joseph’s “handfuls” of grain illustrate God’s power to supply in seasons of abundance, preparing His people to endure famine. Pastors may use the contrast of Genesis 41 with Leviticus 2 to show that whether God gives much or little, gratitude is expressed by giving back.

Christological and New Covenant Insights

The handful anticipates Jesus Christ, the firstfruits who represents the entire harvest of redeemed humanity (1 Corinthians 15:20). Just as the priest offered a token portion on behalf of the whole, Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:10) secures acceptance for all who belong to Him. Moreover, the handful burned on the altar foreshadows the complete consecration of the Son, whose life ascended as “a pleasing aroma” to the Father (Ephesians 5:2).

Summary

Strong’s Hebrew 7062 portrays a humble yet potent image: a closed hand filled to capacity. In narrative it marks overwhelming provision; in ritual it embodies total dedication. Across both settings Scripture weaves a unified testimony: everything comes from the Lord, and the faithful heart gladly returns the first and best—be it a handful of grain or a life surrendered—to His glory.

בְּקֻמְצ֗וֹ בקמצו לִקְמָצִֽים׃ לקמצים׃ קֻמְצ֗וֹ קֻמְצ֜וֹ קמצו bə·qum·ṣōw bekumTzo bəqumṣōw kumTzo likmaTzim liq·mā·ṣîm liqmāṣîm qum·ṣōw qumṣōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts