English · KJV
H6982

קוֹרָה

qôwrâh /ko-raw'/ Ask about this word
Rootor קֹרָה · from קוּר
Meaninga rafter (forming trenches as it were); by implication, a roof
KJV usagebeam, roof.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of qôwrâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word qôwrâh, represented by H6982, primarily refers to a beam or roof. According to its base definition, it signifies a rafter or, by implication, the roof it forms. This specific term is used infrequently in the scriptures, appearing 5 times in 5 unique verses, but its applications are significant, ranging from simple construction to sacred architecture.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The uses of H6982 in scripture highlight its dual meaning. In Genesis 19:8, Lot uses the word figuratively as roof, offering protection to his guests who "came under the shadow of my roof." In contrast, 2 Kings 6:2 and 2 Kings 6:5 use the word to mean a literal beam for construction, as when the sons of the prophets gather beams to build a dwelling place. In the context of the temple, the beams H6982 are listed as foundational elements of the house which were overlaid with gold 2 Chronicles 3:7. The term is also used poetically in Song of Solomon 1:17, where the lovers describe the beams of their house as being made of cedar.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the architectural and natural context of H6982:

  • H1004 bayith (house): This word is frequently associated with H6982, as beams are essential components of a house. It appears in verses describing the temple 2 Chronicles 3:7 and the lovers' home Song of Solomon 1:17.
  • H730 'erez (cedar tree): The material for high-quality beams is often specified as cedar, as noted in the construction of the house in Song of Solomon 1:17.
  • H7023 qîyr (wall): As another primary structural element, wall is mentioned alongside beams in the detailed description of the temple's construction 2 Chronicles 3:7.
  • H1817 deleth (door): Mentioned with beams and walls, the door is part of the complete structure of a house, as seen in the list of temple components 2 Chronicles 3:7.

Theological Significance

The significance of H6982 extends beyond its literal meaning as a piece of wood. It carries important symbolic weight in the biblical narrative.

  • Sanctuary and Protection: The concept of a roof as a place of refuge is established in Genesis 19:8, where it represents the safety and hospitality offered under one's care.
  • Sacred Construction: Its inclusion in the description of Solomon's temple, where the beams were adorned with gold, elevates the term from a mundane building material to a component of a sacred space dedicated to God 2 Chronicles 3:7.
  • Foundations of Community: The act of gathering beams to build a common dwelling place for the prophets signifies the establishment of community and a shared life 2 Kings 6:2.

Summary

In summary, H6982 qôwrâh provides a specific architectural term that is rich with meaning. While appearing only a few times, it effectively communicates the idea of structure, whether for a simple dwelling, a sacred temple, or the conceptual roof of divine protection. Its usage illustrates how a physical object can represent the foundational principles of safety, community, and holiness.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 5 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • קוֹרָה
  • קֹּרוֹת
  • קֹרוֹת
  • קֹרָתִ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1004 בַּיִת probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, d H730 אֶרֶז from אָרַז; a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots); cedar (tree). H7023 קִיר or קִר; (Isaiah 22:5), or (feminine) קִירָה; from קוּר; a wall (as built in a trench); [phrase] mason, side, town, [idio H1817 דֶּלֶת from דָּלָה; something swinging, i.e. the valve of adoor; door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3).

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 4 of the 39 books. Most frequent in 2 Kings (2 verses); never once in the other 35.

1
Genesis
2
2 Kings
1
2 Chronicles
1
Song of Solomon

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.