perhaps an abridged plural of כַּר in the sense of leader (of the flock); a life-guardsman; captains, Cherethites (from the margin).
Transliteration:kârîy
Pronunciation:kaw-ree'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma כָּרִי (kârîy), Strong's `{{H3746}}`, denotes a specific type of military or royal personnel, primarily understood as a "life-guardsman" or "captain." The base definition suggests a possible etymological connection to כַּר (kar), which can mean "lamb" or "fatling," or "pasture," with the proposed metaphorical extension to "leader (of the flock)." This suggests a sense of prominence or authority, akin to a ram leading a flock.
However, in its biblical usage, the term consistently refers to an elite military unit. The most significant aspect of its semantic range is its close association, and at times apparent interchangeability, with the "Cherethites" (כְּרֵתִי, `{{H3774}}`). This suggests that the "Kari" were either a specific designation for the Cherethites, a closely related contingent within the royal guard, or perhaps an alternative name for them in certain contexts. The core meaning thus centers on a highly trusted, professional, and often foreign, soldier or an elite guard force within the royal service.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word כָּרִי (kârîy) appears exclusively in the Masoretic Text in three instances, all in the plural form, and consistently referring to a specialized group of royal guards:
* **[[2 Samuel 20:23]]**: "Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; Adoram was over the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder."
* Crucially, while many English translations render "Cherethites and Pelethites," the Masoretic Text here reads "כָּרִי וְהַפְּלֵתִי" (kârîy v'ha-p'lethî) – "Kari and the Pelethites." This is the primary textual evidence supporting the Strong's definition's marginal note "Cherethites (from the margin)," indicating that "Kari" can stand in for or refer to the Cherethites in this context. Benaiah's command over this elite unit underscores their proximity and loyalty to the king.
* **[[2 Kings 11:4]]**: "But in the seventh year Jehoiada sent and took the captains of hundreds, of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him in the house of the Lord and made a covenant with them and put them under oath in the house of the Lord, and showed them the king's son."
* Here, "of the Carites" (לַכָּרִי) refers to a specific unit whose loyalty was essential for Jehoiada's coup against Athaliah. They are mentioned alongside "the guard" (הָרָצִים, `{{H7323}}`, "runners" or "guardsmen"), highlighting their distinct but integral role within the royal security apparatus. Their involvement demonstrates their significant military presence and trusted status.
* **[[2 Kings 11:19]]**: "Then he took the captains of hundreds, and the Carites, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought the king down from the house of the Lord, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings."
* This verse reiterates the role of the Carites (וְהַכָּרִי) in the successful installation of Joash as king. Their grouping with "captains of hundreds" and "the guard" further solidifies their identity as a professional, royal security force.
In all occurrences, the "Kari" are portrayed as a distinct and formidable component of the royal military, essential for maintaining order and executing critical directives.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related term is **כְּרֵתִי (Cherethî)**, Strong's `{{H3774}}`, which refers to the "Cherethites." The textual variant in [[2 Samuel 20:23]] where "Kari" appears instead of "Cherethites" strongly suggests a close relationship, possibly synonymy, or that "Kari" was a specific designation for a contingent within the broader "Cherethites and Pelethites" unit.
The **"Cherethites and Pelethites"** (כְּרֵתִי וּפְפְלֵתִי, `{{H6432}}` for Pelethites) are consistently depicted as King David's elite personal guard ([[2 Samuel 8:18]], [[2 Samuel 15:18]], [[1 Kings 1:38]], [[1 Kings 1:44]], [[1 Chronicles 18:17]]). Their presumed foreign origin (often linked to Crete) is thought to explain their unwavering loyalty to the king, independent of Israelite tribal politics. The "Kari" likely fit into this same category of highly loyal, professional, and possibly foreign, soldiers.
Other related concepts include:
* **הָרָצִים (hārātsîm)**, `{{H7323}}`, "the runners" or "the guard," a term for royal guards often mentioned alongside the "Kari" in 2 Kings.
* **שָׂרֵי הַמֵּאוֹת (sārê hammēʾôt)**, "captains of hundreds," representing military commanders with whom the Kari are associated in the narrative of Joash's enthronement.
The semantic field of כָּרִי is thus firmly rooted in royal security, military command, and unwavering personal loyalty to the monarch.
### Theological Significance
While כָּרִי (kârîy) is a term describing a specific group of people rather than a theological concept, its role in the biblical narrative offers several points for reflection:
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Human Affairs**: The strategic involvement of the "Kari" in critical historical junctures, particularly in the preservation and restoration of the Davidic line through Joash in 2 Kings 11, illustrates God's working through human agents and institutions. Even seemingly secular military units are instruments in the divine plan to fulfill God's covenant promises, especially concerning the messianic lineage.
2. **The Nature of Kingship and Security**: The reliance of Israelite kings on elite personal guards like the Kari underscores the practical realities of ancient Near Eastern monarchy – the constant need for security against internal and external threats, and the premium placed on absolute loyalty. Theologically, this highlights the tension between a king's trust in God and the practical necessities of governance in a fallen world.
3. **Loyalty and Professional Service**: The "Kari," whether native or foreign, exemplify a high degree of loyalty and professional service to their sovereign. This serves as a microcosm of the broader biblical theme of faithful service and obedience, whether to an earthly ruler or, more profoundly, to God. Their decisive action in the face of crisis demonstrates the value of unwavering commitment within the biblical narrative.
4. **Preservation of the Davidic Line**: The "Cherethites and Pelethites" (and by extension, the "Kari") are consistently present in moments crucial to the stability and continuation of the Davidic dynasty. Their steadfastness was a human means by which God preserved His chosen lineage, ensuring the path for the future Messiah. They represent the practical, human side of God's providential care for His covenant people.
### Summary
The Hebrew term כָּרִי (kârîy), Strong's `{{H3746}}`, designates an elite royal guard or "life-guardsman." Its limited but significant occurrences in [[2 Samuel 20:23]], [[2 Kings 11:4]], and [[2 Kings 11:19]] consistently portray it as a professional military unit integral to royal security. A key observation is its apparent interchangeability with "Cherethites" (`{{H3774}}`) in [[2 Samuel 20:23]], suggesting it refers to the same or a very closely related group of highly loyal, possibly foreign, soldiers serving the Israelite monarchy.
The "Kari" functioned as trusted enforcers of royal authority, playing a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the monarchy, notably in the restoration of the Davidic line through Joash. While not a term with explicit theological meaning, its presence in the biblical narrative illuminates themes of divine providence working through human agents, the practicalities of ancient kingship, and the value of loyalty and professional service within God's overarching plan for His people and the Davidic covenant. The word provides insight into the operational aspects of royal power and the human instruments God employed to achieve His sovereign purposes.
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