passive participle feminine of כָּרַת; something cut, i.e. a hewn timber; beam.
Transliteration:kâruthâh
Pronunciation:kaw-rooth-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3773}}` (kâruthâh) is a feminine passive participle derived from the verbal root `{{H3772}}` (kârat), which fundamentally means "to cut, cut off, or cut down." As a passive participle, `{{H3773}}` signifies "that which has been cut" or "something cut." In its specific lexical application, it refers to timber that has been hewn, shaped, or prepared by cutting, distinguishing it from raw or unworked wood. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively denoting a finished piece of wood, a beam, or a rafter, ready for construction. The emphasis is on the deliberate action of cutting and shaping for a specific purpose, implying craftsmanship and intentionality in its preparation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3773}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances occurring within the detailed descriptions of Solomon's building projects in the book of 1 Kings:
* [[1 Kings 6:36]]: "And he built the inner court with three rows of hewn stone and a row of cedar beams (כָּרֻתָה)." Here, `{{H3773}}` describes the cedar beams used in the construction of the inner court of the Temple. The juxtaposition with "hewn stone" (גָּזִית, *gâzît*) underscores that these are not rough-cut logs but carefully prepared timbers, indicative of high-quality materials and skilled workmanship employed in the sacred edifice. This verse emphasizes the meticulous and costly nature of the Temple's construction, reflecting its profound significance as God's dwelling place.
* [[1 Kings 7:12]]: "And the great court all around had three rows of hewn stone and a row of cedar beams (כָּרֻתָה), like the inner court of the house of the Lord and the portico of the house." This verse reiterates the use of `{{H3773}}` for the cedar beams in the great court, which encompassed both Solomon's palace and the Temple complex. The repetition of the phrase "three rows of hewn stone and a row of cedar beams" highlights a consistent architectural standard of excellence and precision for both the sacred and royal structures, though the Temple's inner sanctum would have possessed even greater sanctity and ornamentation.
In both contexts, `{{H3773}}` consistently refers to processed, finished timber, signifying materials that have undergone significant preparation and refinement for their architectural purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H3773}}` is its verbal root, `{{H3772}}` (kârat), meaning "to cut, cut off, or make a covenant." While `{{H3772}}` has a broad semantic range, including the solemn act of "cutting a covenant" (e.g., [[Genesis 15:18]]), `{{H3773}}` specifically narrows this to the physical act of cutting for construction.
Other related terms include:
* `{{H6086}}` (etz): A general term for "tree" or "wood," which could refer to raw timber or finished products. `{{H3773}}` specifies a particular *kind* of prepared wood.
* `{{H733}}` (erez): "Cedar," the specific type of prestigious wood often associated with royal and sacred construction in the ancient Near East, as seen in the contexts of `{{H3773}}`.
* `{{H1129}}` (banah): "To build," the overarching action for which `{{H3773}}` is a component.
* `{{H1004}}` (bayith): "House" or "temple," the structure being built with these hewn timbers.
The concept inherent in `{{H3773}}` is one of meticulous preparation, craftsmanship, and the use of refined materials, particularly in the context of sacred architecture. It evokes the idea of materials being transformed from their raw state into something fit for a specific, elevated purpose.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H3773}}` in the description of Solomon's Temple carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Standard of Excellence:** The fact that God's dwelling place was constructed with "hewn stone" and "hewn timbers" (`{{H3773}}`) speaks to a divine demand for excellence. God is worthy of the very best, and the materials used in His sanctuary reflect His glory and majesty. This implies that worship, service, and all endeavors dedicated to God should be characterized by intentionality, precision, and the highest quality of effort and resources.
2. **Order and Beauty in Sacred Space:** The careful preparation of `{{H3773}}` contributes to the structural integrity, aesthetic beauty, and symbolic order of the Temple. This underscores the theological principle that sacred spaces, and by extension, the worship conducted within them, should be marked by order, beauty, and reverence. The "hewn timbers" are not merely functional but contribute to an environment conducive to encountering the holy.
3. **Consecration and Transformation:** Just as raw timber is "hewn" and shaped for its sacred purpose, there is a theological parallel to the process of consecration and transformation in the spiritual life. Believers, sometimes referred to as "living stones" ([[1 Peter 2:5]]), are "hewn" and shaped by God's hand, through His word and Spirit, to become fit for His spiritual house. This process involves the "cutting away" of impurities and the shaping of character to conform to divine purposes.
4. **Human Skill in Service to God:** The detailed accounts of the Temple's construction, including the use of `{{H3773}}`, highlight the role of human craftsmanship and wisdom, divinely inspired, in bringing God's architectural blueprint to fruition. This affirms the value of human skill and labor when consecrated and directed towards God's glory.
### Summary
`{{H3773}}` (kâruthâh) is a specific Hebrew term denoting a "hewn timber" or "beam," a piece of wood meticulously cut and prepared for construction. Its limited occurrences in [[1 Kings 6:36]] and [[1 Kings 7:12]] exclusively describe the high-quality cedar beams used in Solomon's Temple and palace courts. Derived from the root `{{H3772}}` ("to cut"), `{{H3773}}` emphasizes the finished, processed nature of the material, distinguishing it from raw wood and highlighting the craftsmanship involved. Theologically, `{{H3773}}` is significant for what it reveals about the divine standard of excellence required for God's dwelling place, underscoring the importance of beauty, order, and meticulous preparation in sacred spaces and in all human endeavors dedicated to God. It symbolizes materials consecrated and refined for a holy purpose, drawing a parallel to the spiritual transformation and consecration of believers for God's service.
TRV