from כָּרַת; a cut; Kerith, a brook of Palestine; Cherith.
Transliteration:Kᵉrîyth
Pronunciation:ker-eeth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Kᵉrîyth (`{{H3747}}`) is a proper noun, referring to a specific geographical location: a brook or wadi. Its etymology is derived from the root kārat (`{{H3772}}`), which fundamentally means "to cut," "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to make a covenant" (often by cutting sacrifices). In the context of Kᵉrîyth, the name likely signifies a "cutting" or "gorge," referring to the deep, incised nature of a wadi or ravine, formed by water erosion through the landscape. Thus, while its root carries a broad semantic range related to severance and covenant, Kᵉrîyth itself is primarily locative, denoting a distinct physical feature characterized by its "cut" appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Kᵉrîyth (`{{H3747}}`) appears exclusively in the book of 1 Kings, specifically within the narrative concerning the prophet Elijah. It is mentioned four times: [[1 Kings 17:3]], [[1 Kings 17:4]], [[1 Kings 17:5]], and [[1 Kings 17:6]].
The Lord commands Elijah to "Go from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan" [[1 Kings 17:3]]. This command comes at the outset of a severe drought and famine, orchestrated by God as judgment upon Israel for their idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. The brook Kerith is designated by God as a place of refuge and miraculous provision for Elijah.
God promises to sustain Elijah there: "You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there" [[1 Kings 17:4]]. Elijah's immediate and complete obedience is highlighted: "So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan" [[1 Kings 17:5]]. The divine provision is then detailed: "And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook" [[1 Kings 17:6]].
This period at Kerith represents a phase of isolation and direct dependence on God for Elijah. The brook eventually dries up, signaling the end of this phase of provision and prompting God's next instruction for Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow would sustain him. The precise geographical location of the brook remains a subject of scholarly debate, but it is generally understood to be a wadi east of the Jordan River.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root kārat (`{{H3772}}`), from which Kᵉrîyth (`{{H3747}}`) is derived. This root is highly significant in the Old Testament, conveying concepts such as:
* **Cutting Off/Destroying:** Used to describe divine judgment, such as cutting off a people or a name from existence ([[Deuteronomy 6:15]], [[Psalm 37:9]]).
* **Making a Covenant:** The idiom "cutting a covenant" (kārat bĕrît) is central to biblical theology, emphasizing the solemn and binding nature of an agreement, often involving the cutting of animals as a sacrificial act ([[Genesis 15:18]], [[Exodus 24:8]], [[Jeremiah 34:18]]). While Kᵉrîyth itself does not directly carry these theological nuances, its etymological connection to "cutting" subtly resonates with the idea of a place "cut off" or "set apart" by divine decree.
Other related concepts include:
* **Wadi/Brook (naḥal `{{H5158}}`):** A common term for a seasonal stream or valley, often dry in summer. Kerith is a specific instance of such a geographical feature, chosen by God for His specific purpose.
* **Divine Provision (zûn `{{H2109}}`, kûl `{{H3557}}`):** The entire narrative at Kerith exemplifies God's direct, supernatural provision for His servant in times of scarcity, using extraordinary means (ravens).
* **Obedience (shāmaʿ `{{H8085}}`):** Elijah's immediate and unquestioning obedience to God's command to go to Kerith is a central theme, highlighting the importance of trust in divine instruction.
### Theological Significance
The brook Kerith holds profound theological significance as a vivid demonstration of God's sovereign care, faithfulness, and miraculous provision for His chosen servants.
* **Divine Sustenance:** Kerith stands as a powerful symbol of God's ability to provide for His people even in the most dire circumstances. In a land gripped by famine, God ensures Elijah's survival through unconventional means (ravens), underscoring His absolute control over creation and His commitment to those who obey Him.
* **Preparation and Dependence:** The period at Kerith was a time of divine discipline and preparation for Elijah. Isolated from human aid and the political turmoil of Ahab's reign, Elijah was compelled to rely solely on God. This "cutting off" from worldly resources (echoing the root kārat) was essential for his spiritual formation and prepared him for the greater challenges and public ministry that lay ahead. It taught him radical dependence and trust.
* **Dynamic Guidance:** The drying up of the brook is also significant. It illustrates that God's provision and guidance are not static. He leads His servants from one phase of dependence to another, teaching them to trust Him in changing circumstances and prompting them to move forward in His will. The cessation of the water at Kerith was not an abandonment but a signal for the next step in God's plan for Elijah.
* **God's Faithfulness Amidst Unfaithfulness:** In a nation that had largely abandoned God, Kerith serves as a stark contrast, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His prophet, even as He brought judgment upon the land. It underscores the truth that God sustains His own, regardless of the surrounding spiritual climate.
### Summary
Kᵉrîyth (`{{H3747}}`) is a proper noun, denoting a specific brook or wadi, whose name likely signifies a "cut" or "gorge," deriving from the Hebrew root kārat (`{{H3772}}`), "to cut." Its biblical significance is entirely contained within the narrative of the prophet Elijah in [[1 Kings 17:3-6]]. The brook Kerith served as a divinely appointed refuge where God miraculously provided for Elijah during a severe drought, sustaining him with water from the brook and food brought by ravens. Theologically, Kerith symbolizes God's sovereign and miraculous provision, His method of preparing His servants through periods of solitude and complete dependence, and His dynamic guidance that moves His people from one phase of trust to the next. It stands as a profound testament to God's faithfulness and Elijah's unwavering obedience.
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