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.
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.
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."
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.
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