The Aramaic word Kârâʼ, represented by H3735, describes a state of being grieved. Its definition suggests a figurative piercing, indicating a deep and penetrating sorrow. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible, highlighting the unique intensity of the moment it describes.
The sole use of H3735 is found in the book of Daniel, where the prophet describes his personal reaction to a divine revelation. After witnessing a series of overwhelming visions, he states, "I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body" Daniel 7:15. This expression connects the profound emotional distress directly to the prophetic experience, showing that the visions of his head troubled him to the point of a deep, internal grief that affected both his spirit and body.
The context of H3735 is clarified by several surrounding Aramaic words:
- H1841 Dânîyêʼl: This identifies the subject of the grief as Daniel, the Hebrew prophet himself, grounding the experience in a specific person Daniel 7:15.
- H7308 rûwach: This is the spirit that was grieved. It refers to the rational mind or spirit of a person, indicating the location of the emotional turmoil Daniel 7:15.
- H5085 nidneh: Daniel felt this grief "in the midst of my body," described figuratively as a sheath or receptacle for the soul. This emphasizes the physical, all-encompassing nature of his distress Daniel 7:15.
- H2376 chêzêv: The cause of the grief was the visions of his head. These sights or looks were the direct catalyst for his troubled state Daniel 7:15.
- H927 bᵉhal: Paired with being grieved, Daniel's visions also troubled him, a word that means to terrify or cause trouble. This suggests the grief was mixed with alarm and fear Daniel 7:15.
The theological significance of H3735 is centered on the nature of prophetic experience.
- The Burden of Revelation: The word powerfully illustrates the immense personal and emotional weight that comes with receiving divine visions. The grief is a direct response to the gravity of what was revealed to Dânîyêʼl Daniel 7:15.
- A Somatic Spiritual State: Its use in Daniel 7:15 demonstrates that spiritual events have a tangible, physical impact. The grief is not an abstract emotion but a piercing feeling experienced within the spirit H7308 and contained within the body H5085.
- An Emotional Response to Truth: Kârâʼ portrays grief as a valid and profound reaction to understanding troubling divine truths. It is the internal piercing that follows the external visions H2376.
In summary, H3735 is a highly specific term for a piercing grief. Its single appearance in Scripture is pivotal, capturing the profound and personal cost of prophecy for Daniel. It defines a sorrow that is not merely emotional but is felt physically, lodging in the spirit within the body. The word marks a moment where the weight of a divine vision becomes an intensely personal and troubling burden.
TRV