### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kârâh**, represented by `{{H3738}}`, is a primitive root properly meaning **to dig**. It appears **16 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. While its primary sense is literal excavation, the word is also used figuratively to describe plotting against someone, or more generally, to bore or open something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3738}}` is used for both foundational and malicious acts. It describes literal, life-sustaining work, such as when Isaac's `{{H3327}}` servants `{{H5650}}` **digged** `{{H3738}}` a well `{{H875}}` [[Genesis 26:25]] or when Jacob prepared his own grave `{{H6913}}` in Canaan `{{H3667}}` [[Genesis 50:5]]. However, it frequently carries a figurative weight of conspiracy and harm, as when enemies **digged** `{{H3738}}` a pit `{{H7745}}` for Jeremiah's soul [[Jeremiah 18:20]]. It can also signify a profound physical or spiritual opening, as seen when God **opened** `{{H3738}}` the psalmist's ears `{{H241}}` to make him obedient [[Psalms 40:6]] and in the piercing of hands and feet [[Psalms 22:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concepts of digging, trapping, and plotting:
* `{{H2658}}` **châphar** (dig, search out): This verb is often used in close parallel with `{{H3738}}`, reinforcing the action of excavation, as when a pit `{{H953}}` is both **made** `{{H3738}}` and **digged** `{{H2658}}` [[Psalms 7:15]].
* `{{H6605}}` **pâthach** (to open wide): Used alongside `{{H3738}}` to describe the creation of a hazard, such as when a man `{{H376}}` shall **open** `{{H6605}}` or **dig** `{{H3738}}` a pit `{{H953}}` [[Exodus 21:33]].
* `{{H7845}}` **shachath** (pit, destruction): This noun often serves as the object of the action of digging, representing the pit or trap itself, into which the digger may ultimately fall [[Proverbs 26:27]].
* `{{H1100}}` **bᵉlîyaʻal** (ungodly, worthless): This term describes the character of those who use the act of digging for malicious purposes, such as the **ungodly** `{{H1100}}` man `{{H376}}` who **diggeth up** `{{H3738}}` evil `{{H7451}}` [[Proverbs 16:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3738}}` is significant and often illustrates key principles of divine justice and human intent.
* **The Law of Reciprocity:** A primary theological lesson associated with `{{H3738}}` is that evil actions recoil upon the perpetrator. Scripture repeatedly states that one who **diggeth** `{{H3738}}` a pit `{{H7845}}` for another will fall `{{H5307}}` into it themselves ([[Proverbs 26:27]]; [[Psalms 7:15]]).
* **Malice and Persecution:** The word is a powerful metaphor for the premeditated plots of the wicked `{{H7563}}` against the righteous. Enemies are described as having **digged** `{{H3738}}` pits `{{H7882}}` for the soul of the speaker, highlighting themes of undeserved suffering and persecution ([[Jeremiah 18:20]]; [[Psalms 119:85]]).
* **Divine Preparation:** In a significant positive turn, `{{H3738}}` is used to illustrate God's work in preparing a person to hear `{{H8085}}` and obey Him. By stating that God has **opened** `{{H3738}}` his ears `{{H241}}`, the psalmist expresses a spiritual readiness that surpasses ritual sacrifice `{{H2077}}` [[Psalms 40:6]].
* **Provision and Honor:** Beyond its use in conflict, digging is shown as a fundamental act of providing for life and honoring the dead. It is used for the vital task of digging a **well** `{{H875}}` for water [[Genesis 26:25]] and for the respectful preparation of a **grave** `{{H6913}}` [[Genesis 50:5]].
### Summary
In summary, **kârâh** `{{H3738}}` is a dynamic verb that moves from the simple act of digging the earth to the complex plotting of the human heart. It serves as a stark illustration of intent, representing both life-giving provision in the digging of a well and life-threatening malice in the digging of a trap. Ultimately, the word underscores a profound biblical principle: that the efforts one undertakes, whether for good or for evil, create the very reality into which they themselves will fall.
TRV