### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kârâʻ**, represented by `{{H3767}}`, refers to the **leg**, specifically the portion from the knee to the ankle. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses. Its definition specifies that it can be used for the legs of men or locusts, highlighting its specific anatomical focus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H3767}}` is most frequently found within the detailed instructions for sacrificial offerings. In the context of a burnt offering, the animal's **legs** were to be washed with water and burned on the altar along with the inwards, signifying a complete and pure sacrifice to the LORD ([[Leviticus 1:9]], [[Leviticus 1:13]]). This procedure is also commanded for the Passover lamb, which was to be roasted whole with its head and **legs** [[Exodus 12:9]]. The term is also used to describe the anatomy of locusts in dietary law, where clean insects are identified as those having **legs** above their feet for leaping [[Leviticus 11:21]]. In a prophetic context, the prophet Amos uses "two **legs**" as a metaphor for the small, insignificant remnant of Israel that would be rescued from destruction [[Amos 3:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and context of `{{H3767}}`:
* `{{H7272}}` **regel** (a foot; leg): This term often refers to the foot or the entire lower limb, as in God making enemies a "footstool" [[Psalms 110:1]]. It is used in [[Leviticus 11:21]] to denote the feet of locusts, which are distinct from their upper **legs** `{{H3767}}`.
* `{{H7130}}` **qereb** (inward parts; midst): This word frequently appears alongside `{{H3767}}` in sacrificial instructions, where the **legs** and the **inward parts** of the animal are prepared together ([[Exodus 29:17]], [[Leviticus 4:11]]).
* `{{H7364}}` **râchats** (to wash): This action is directly applied to the **legs** in multiple sacrificial laws, indicating a required purification before the offering is burnt on the altar ([[Leviticus 8:21]], [[Leviticus 9:14]]).
* `{{H5425}}` **nâthar** (to jump; leap): This verb describes the function of the locusts' **legs** mentioned in [[Leviticus 11:21]], which are specifically designed "to **leap** withal upon the earth."
### Theological Significance
The conceptual significance of `{{H3767}}` is seen primarily through its role in ritual law and prophecy.
* **Sacrificial Consecration:** The repeated command to wash the **legs** and burn them on the altar [[Leviticus 1:9]] emphasizes the purification and total dedication of the entire animal to God. The **legs**, representing the animal's movement and life, were cleansed and offered up.
* **Divine Classification:** In [[Leviticus 11:21]], the specific anatomy of the locusts' **legs** becomes the basis for God's distinction between clean and unclean creatures. This highlights God's meticulous order within creation and His authority to define what is pure.
* **Metaphor for a Remnant:** The image of a shepherd rescuing just "two **legs**" from a lion [[Amos 3:12]] serves as a stark metaphor for the small and fragmented remnant of Israel that would survive judgment. The **legs** symbolize something of little value, yet still salvaged.
### Summary
In summary, **kârâʻ** `{{H3767}}` is a precise anatomical term for the lower leg. While its occurrences are few, they are significant, anchoring the word in the critical contexts of Levitical sacrifice, dietary law, and prophetic imagery. It illustrates how a specific part of the body can be used to convey deeper concepts of complete devotion, divine order, and the nature of God's salvation for a chosen remnant.
TRV