a primitive root (rather identical with קָלָה through the idea of shrinkage by heat); to toast, i.e. scorch partially or slowly; dried, loathsome, parch, roast.
Transliteration:qâlâh
Pronunciation:kaw-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H7033, קָלָה (qâlâh), is defined primarily by the action of applying heat, leading to a state of drying, scorching, or toasting. The underlying idea, as suggested by its etymology, is "shrinkage by heat." This core meaning branches into several semantic applications. Literally, it refers to the process of roasting or parching grain, rendering it dry and often brittle, yet edible. Figuratively, the concept of drying or withering extends to describe something that has become worthless, decayed, or repulsive. This latter sense, translated as "loathsome" or "vile," implies a state of extreme deterioration, where an object or even a person's character becomes abhorrent due to a loss of vitality, integrity, or inherent goodness, much like fruit that has dried out and rotted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H7033 in the Hebrew Bible illustrate both its literal and figurative dimensions.
The most frequent usage relates to the preparation of grain through roasting or parching. This is evident in:
* **Leviticus 2:14**: Here, the term describes "green ears of corn dried by the fire" (קָלוּי) offered as a firstfruits offering. This highlights the practical application of the root in preparing food, even for sacred purposes, emphasizing a process of refinement or readiness.
* **Joshua 5:11**: Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, the Israelites ate "parched corn" (קָלוּי) from the produce of the land. This signifies God's provision and the transition from manna to the sustenance of the Promised Land.
* **Ruth 2:14**: Boaz invites Ruth to eat "parched corn" (קָלִי) with him, underscoring its role as a common, sustaining food item in daily life.
* **1 Samuel 17:17**, **1 Samuel 25:18**, and **2 Samuel 17:28**: In these instances, "parched corn" (קָלוּי) is mentioned as a staple food, often carried for provisions, demonstrating its importance for travel and sustenance in ancient Israel.
A profoundly significant figurative use of H7033 appears in:
* **Jeremiah 29:17**: Here, the Lord declares, "Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil" (קָלָה). The "vile figs" (literally, "dried/scorched figs") serve as a powerful metaphor for the moral corruption and spiritual decay of the people of Judah. Just as dried, rotten fruit is repulsive and utterly useless, so too had the people become in God's sight due to their persistent sin and rebellion. This usage extends the concept of being "dried out" from a physical state to a spiritual and ethical one, signifying worthlessness and repulsion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Strong's definition notes that H7033 is "rather identical with קָלָה" (qâlâh), likely referring to H7034, which means "to be light, swift, trifling, contemptible." While distinct, there is a clear semantic overlap, particularly in the figurative sense. Something that is "dried out" or "scorched" (`{{H7033}}`) can become "light" in weight and value, leading to the idea of being "trifling" or "contemptible" (`{{H7034}}`). The common thread is a diminution of worth or substance.
Concepts related to H7033 include:
* **Heat and Fire:** The primary agent causing the drying and scorching.
* **Drying and Withering:** The physical process and its outcome.
* **Decay and Corruption:** The result of extreme drying or neglect, leading to worthlessness.
* **Food Preparation:** The literal application in ancient culinary practices.
* **Provision and Sustenance:** The role of roasted grain as a basic food source.
* **Worthlessness and Repulsion:** The figurative consequence of spiritual decay.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7033 is multifaceted, touching upon themes of divine provision, the nature of offerings, and the consequences of spiritual decline.
Firstly, in its literal application to "parched corn," the word speaks to God's faithful provision for His people. The availability of roasted grain signifies basic sustenance and the blessing of the land's produce. In contexts like the firstfruits offering in [[Leviticus 2:14]], the act of preparing the grain through drying by fire suggests a process of refinement or readiness, emphasizing the care and appropriateness required for approaching the holy God with offerings. It underscores the principle that even common items, when offered to God, must be prepared according to His specifications, signifying dedication and purity.
Secondly, and perhaps more profoundly, the figurative use of H7033 in [[Jeremiah 29:17]] carries a powerful theological message concerning judgment and moral degradation. The comparison of the unfaithful people to "vile figs" that are "so evil" speaks to the spiritual barrenness and ethical decay that can afflict a community or an individual. Just as fruit that is dried, shriveled, and rotten becomes repulsive and useless, so too does a people become "loathsome" in God's eyes when they turn away from His covenant and embrace wickedness. This serves as a stark warning about the consequences of disobedience and spiritual atrophy, highlighting that a life devoid of righteousness is not merely unproductive but actively offensive to God. It underscores the divine standard of holiness and the severe outcome of failing to meet it.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H7033, קָלָה (qâlâh), encompasses the core meaning of drying or scorching by heat. Its semantic range extends from the literal act of roasting grain for sustenance and offerings to the figurative depiction of something rendered worthless, decayed, and "loathsome." Biblically, H7033 frequently describes "parched corn" as a staple food, symbolizing God's provision and the practical preparation of food, even for sacred purposes. However, its most potent theological impact lies in its figurative use, particularly in [[Jeremiah 29:17]], where it vividly portrays the moral and spiritual decay of a people as "vile figs." This dual application reveals profound theological truths: the faithfulness of God in providing for His people and the severe consequences of spiritual barrenness and disobedience, which can render individuals or communities repulsive in His sight. H7033 thus serves as a powerful linguistic tool to convey both physical reality and profound spiritual state.
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