(Aramaic) probably corresponding to כָּרָה in the sense of piercing(figuratively); to grieve; be grieved.
Transliteration:Kârâʼ
Pronunciation:kaw-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma כָּרָא (Kârâʼ), Strong's `{{H3735}}`, primarily denotes the state of "being grieved" or "to grieve." Its etymological root is often associated with the Hebrew `{{H3738}}` (kārâh), which means "to dig," "to bore," or "to pierce." This connection suggests that the grief or displeasure signified by `{{H3735}}` is not superficial but a deep, penetrating emotional experience, akin to being "pierced" by sorrow or distress. The word thus conveys a profound internal disturbance or affliction. While the core meaning points to negative emotions like grief or displeasure, its usage in certain contexts presents interpretive nuances, suggesting a broader sense of being deeply affected or impressed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כָּרָא (`{{H3735}}`) appears in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its limited occurrences, however, provide significant insight into its semantic range and contextual application.
1. **Daniel 6:15 (KJV 6:14):** "Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased (`{{H3735}}`) with himself, and set his heart on delivering Daniel; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him."
* In this context, `{{H3735}}` clearly signifies intense displeasure or grief. King Darius is profoundly distressed upon realizing the irrevocable nature of the decree he signed, which now condemns Daniel. His emotional state is one of deep regret and inner turmoil, perfectly aligning with the "grieved" aspect of the definition and the implied "piercing" of his conscience or heart. The king's subsequent actions—fasting, sleeplessness, and tireless effort to save Daniel—underscore the severity of his emotional affliction.
2. **Ezra 5:17:** "Now therefore, if it seem good (`{{H3735}}`) to the king, let search be made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send us his pleasure concerning this matter."
* This usage presents a significant interpretive challenge. While the primary definition of `{{H3735}}` is "to grieve," here it is consistently translated in English versions as "it seemed good" or "it pleased" the king. This seemingly contradictory meaning has led scholars to various proposals:
* Some suggest an idiomatic usage where "to be pierced" or "deeply affected" could, in this specific context, imply "deeply impressed" or "pleased" in a formal, official sense.
* Others propose a scribal variant or a different underlying root for this specific occurrence, perhaps related to acceptance or agreement.
* Despite this challenge, understanding `{{H3735}}` as denoting a profound emotional or intellectual impact remains consistent. Whether it signifies deep displeasure (as in Daniel) or deep satisfaction/agreement (as in Ezra), the word points to a significant internal state of the king, indicating that the matter was not taken lightly but elicited a strong, decisive response.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H3735}}` is the Hebrew verb `{{H3738}}` (kārâh), meaning "to dig," "to bore," or "to pierce." This connection is vital for understanding the figurative depth of `{{H3735}}`. The physical act of piercing or digging is metaphorically extended to the emotional realm, describing a sorrow or displeasure that penetrates deeply into one's being.
Other related concepts in biblical Hebrew and Aramaic that convey similar states of distress or emotional intensity include:
* `{{H6087}}` (atsav): To grieve, pain, or vex.
* `{{H3013}}` (yagah): To be grieved, sorrowful, or afflicted.
* `{{H6031}}` (anah): To be afflicted, humbled, or troubled.
These words, while distinct, collectively paint a picture of the rich vocabulary used to describe human suffering and emotional turmoil in the biblical text, with `{{H3735}}` emphasizing a particularly profound and penetrating quality of distress.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3735}}` lies in its portrayal of human emotional depth, particularly in the context of leadership and divine providence.
In Daniel 6:15, King Darius's "sore displeasure" highlights the moral weight of his office and the internal conflict faced by even powerful rulers when confronted with injustice. His deep grief over Daniel's fate underscores the human capacity for empathy and the struggle against the consequences of one's own flawed decrees. This demonstrates that even pagan kings are not immune to profound moral distress, which can be seen as a testimony to the universal moral law or the subtle working of God's hand in the hearts of men. The king's emotional agony serves to heighten the drama and emphasize the miraculous nature of Daniel's deliverance, ultimately glorifying God.
Even with the interpretive challenge in Ezra 5:17, the word still points to a significant decision-making process by the king, indicating a matter of serious consideration. It underscores the importance of royal decrees and the meticulous nature of the Persian administration in relation to the rebuilding of the Temple, a project of immense theological significance for the returning exiles.
Overall, `{{H3735}}` reveals that emotions like grief and displeasure are not trivial but can be deeply impactful, shaping the decisions and actions of individuals, even those in positions of immense power. It speaks to the inner world of biblical figures, showing their humanity and vulnerability in the face of circumstances, whether divinely ordained or humanly contrived.
### Summary
The Aramaic word כָּרָא (`{{H3735}}`) primarily signifies "to grieve" or "to be grieved," drawing on a figurative sense of "piercing" that denotes profound emotional impact. This deep, penetrating quality of sorrow or displeasure is vividly illustrated in Daniel 6:15, where King Darius experiences intense distress over Daniel's plight. While its usage in Ezra 5:17 as "it pleased" the king presents an interpretive challenge, it nonetheless conveys a strong, decisive emotional or intellectual impression. Thus, `{{H3735}}` consistently points to a significant internal state, whether of profound sorrow or deep satisfaction, reflecting the weighty emotional experiences of biblical figures, particularly those in leadership. The word contributes to our understanding of the human condition, highlighting the depth of internal struggle and the moral dimensions of power within the biblical narrative.
TRV