from כָּרַר; a dromedary (from its rapid motion as if dancing); swift beast.
Transliteration:karkârâh
Pronunciation:kar-kaw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma כַּרְכָּרָה (karkârâh, `{{H3753}}`) is derived from the root כָּרַר (kārar, `{{H3769}}`), which conveys the sense of "to whirl," "to dance," or "to spin." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the core meaning of כַּרְכָּרָה. It refers to a type of swift animal, specifically identified as a dromedary or a swift beast, whose characteristic motion is rapid, agile, and almost "dancing" or "whirling." The term emphasizes the animal's speed and vigor, distinguishing it from slower beasts of burden. Its semantic range is thus narrow, pointing to a creature renowned for its fleetness and energetic movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כַּרְכָּרָה (karkârâh, `{{H3753}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophetic book of Isaiah.
* **[[Isaiah 66:20]]**: "And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts (כַּרְכָּרָה), to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD."
In this eschatological passage, Isaiah describes the future ingathering of God's scattered people from all nations to Jerusalem. The verse lists various modes of transport: horses, chariots, litters, mules, and כַּרְכָּרָה (swift beasts). The inclusion of כַּרְכָּרָה in this comprehensive list underscores the divine provision for this grand return. Its presence highlights the swiftness and efficiency with which God will bring His people, emphasizing that no distance or logistical challenge will hinder this promised restoration. The context is one of divine triumph and the glorious re-establishment of Zion as the center of worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root כָּרַר (kārar, `{{H3769}}`):** The foundational root for כַּרְכָּרָה, meaning "to whirl," "to dance," or "to spin." This connection vividly describes the energetic, rapid, and perhaps undulating motion characteristic of the "swift beast," setting it apart from other animals.
* **Dromedary/Camel (e.g., בֶּכֶר `{{H1070}}`):** While כַּרְכָּרָה is often translated as "dromedary," specifically highlighting its speed, the broader category of camels (e.g., גָּמָל `{{H1581}}`) is frequently mentioned in the Bible as beasts of burden and transport. כַּרְכָּרָה distinguishes itself by emphasizing the animal's swiftness rather than merely its carrying capacity.
* **Other Swift Animals:** The Bible frequently refers to animals known for their speed, such as horses (`{{H5483}}`), which are also mentioned in [[Isaiah 66:20]]. The inclusion of כַּרְכָּרָה alongside horses reinforces the theme of rapid transport and efficient movement within the prophecy.
* **Modes of Transport:** The immediate context of [[Isaiah 66:20]] places כַּרְכָּרָה within the broader semantic field of conveyances. It is part of a list that collectively illustrates the diverse and abundant means by which God will gather His people, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of His redemptive work.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of כַּרְכָּרָה (karkârâh, `{{H3753}}`) in [[Isaiah 66:20]] carries profound theological weight. It is not merely a descriptive term for an animal but serves as a vivid detail within a powerful eschatological vision.
* **Divine Certainty and Efficacy:** The use of "swift beasts" underscores the certainty and unstoppable nature of God's redemptive plan. The speed implied by כַּרְכָּרָה suggests that the fulfillment of the prophecy—the gathering of God's people—will be decisive, rapid, and unhindered by any obstacle, including vast distances.
* **God's Meticulous Provision:** The variety of conveyances listed in [[Isaiah 66:20]], including the swift כַּרְכָּרָה, illustrates God's comprehensive and abundant provision for His people. He will ensure that every means necessary is employed to bring His scattered ones home, reflecting His faithfulness and power.
* **Glory of the Ingathering:** The imagery of people being brought "as an offering unto the LORD" highlights the sacred and glorious nature of this future event. The swiftness of the כַּרְכָּרָה contributes to the majesty of this divine procession, symbolizing the rapid and glorious culmination of God's covenant promises, bringing His elect from all corners of the earth to worship Him in His holy mountain.
### Summary
The Hebrew term כַּרְכָּרָה (karkârâh, `{{H3753}}`), derived from the root כָּרַר (kārar, `{{H3769}}`) meaning "to whirl" or "to dance," denotes a swift beast, likely a dromedary, characterized by its rapid and agile motion. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 66:20]] is within a significant eschatological prophecy concerning the future ingathering of God's people to Jerusalem. The inclusion of כַּרְכָּרָה among various modes of transport emphasizes the speed, efficiency, and divine provision inherent in this glorious return. Theologically, it underscores the certainty, efficacy, and comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, signifying the rapid and glorious fulfillment of His promises to bring His scattered people home as a sacred offering.
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