probably from קָרַע; a bowl (as cut out hollow); charger, dish.
Transliteration:qᵉʻârâh
Pronunciation:keh-aw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קְעָרָה (qᵉʻârâh, `{{H7086}}`) denotes a "bowl," "charger," or "dish." Its etymological root is likely connected to the verb קָרַע (qāraʿ, `{{H7167}}`), meaning "to tear, rend, or cut." This derivation suggests the physical process of hollowing out or shaping a material to form a concave vessel. Thus, the core meaning refers to a container, typically shallow and broad, designed to hold substances, particularly food or liquid offerings. In its biblical context, the term invariably refers to vessels used in sacred settings, implying a specific design and material suitable for ritual purity and divine service.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קְעָרָה (qᵉʻârâh, `{{H7086}}`) appears exclusively in the Pentateuch and 1 Kings, always in the context of the Tabernacle or Temple.
1. **Exodus 25:29, 37:16**: Here, קְעָרָה is listed among the vessels for the Table of Showbread in the Tabernacle. These dishes were specifically for the showbread and the drink offerings poured out with them. Their placement within the holy place underscores their sacred function and the meticulous care required in preparing for divine presence.
2. **Numbers 4:7**: This verse details the duties of the Kohathites in dismantling and transporting the Tabernacle. The "dishes" are explicitly mentioned as part of the items to be covered and carried from the Table of Showbread, further emphasizing their integral role in the sacred furniture.
3. **Numbers 7:13-85**: This chapter provides the most extensive use of קְעָרָה, appearing 12 times. It records the dedication offerings from each of the twelve tribal princes for the Tabernacle. Each prince brought an identical offering, which included "one silver dish (קְעָרָה) weighing one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver basin (מִזְרָק, `{{H4219}}`) of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering." The significant weight and precious material (silver) of these dishes highlight their value and the lavishness of the offerings dedicated to Yahweh. The pairing with a "basin" (מִזְרָק, `{{H4219}}`) suggests a distinction in function, perhaps the dish for dry offerings (flour) and the basin for liquid offerings (blood or oil).
4. **1 Kings 7:50**: In the description of Solomon's Temple furnishings, קְעָרָה is listed among the many articles made of pure gold. "The dishes, the snuffers, the basins, the cups, and the firepans, of pure gold." This demonstrates the continuity of use for such vessels in the permanent Temple, maintaining their sacred purpose and precious material.
Across all occurrences, קְעָרָה consistently refers to a vessel dedicated to the worship of God, used for offerings or as part of the sacred furniture in the Tabernacle and Temple. The consistent use of precious metals (silver and gold) for these dishes underscores their intrinsic value and symbolic purity required for divine service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological connection for קְעָרָה (qᵉʻârâh, `{{H7086}}`) is to the verb קָרַע (qāraʿ, `{{H7167}}`), "to tear, rend, or cut." This root aptly describes the process of creating a hollowed-out vessel.
Other related Hebrew terms denoting various types of vessels include:
* מִזְרָק (mizrāq, `{{H4219}}`): Often translated as "basin" or "bowl," this term is frequently paired with קְעָרָה in Numbers 7, suggesting a complementary function, possibly for liquid offerings.
* כּוֹס (kôs, `{{H3563}}`): A "cup" or "goblet," typically smaller and for drinking.
* סֵפֶל (sēphel, `{{H5592}}`): Another term for a "bowl," often used for food.
* מַחְתָּה (maḥtâh, `{{H4289}}`): A "firepan" or "censer," also a vessel but for coals or incense.
The concept of sacred vessels is central to Israelite worship. These objects, though inanimate, were integral to the performance of rituals and offerings, symbolizing the reverence, purity, and dedication required in approaching a holy God. They are part of a broader theological landscape that emphasizes the meticulousness of divine instruction and the tangible means by which the covenant community could interact with the divine.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of קְעָרָה (qᵉʻârâh, `{{H7086}}`) in sacred contexts imbues it with profound theological significance.
1. **Holiness and Dedication:** The dishes were not ordinary household items but consecrated vessels, made of precious metals (silver or gold) and dedicated exclusively to the service of God in the Tabernacle and Temple. This underscores the principle of holiness—that which is set apart for God's exclusive use. Their very existence speaks to the sacredness of the worship space and the offerings presented therein.
2. **Worthiness of Offering:** The substantial weight of the silver dishes (130 shekels) in Numbers 7, alongside other valuable items, highlights the expectation of costly and generous offerings to God. It reflects the understanding that God is worthy of the best and that true worship involves a tangible expression of sacrifice and devotion. The uniformity of the offerings from all twelve tribes also speaks to the unity and equality of all Israel before God in their worship.
3. **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** As vessels for the Table of Showbread, the dishes held the bread that symbolized God's ongoing covenant faithfulness and provision for His people. This connects the physical object to the theological truth of God as the sustainer of life, both physical and spiritual.
4. **Order and Meticulousness in Worship:** The detailed instructions for the construction and use of these dishes, along with all other Tabernacle/Temple furnishings, reveal God's desire for order, precision, and beauty in worship. Every detail, down to the vessels, was designed to facilitate a proper and reverent approach to the Almighty. This meticulousness points to the perfect order of God's character and His demands for a worship that reflects His glory.
5. **Anticipation of Christ:** While not directly prophetic, the Old Testament sacrificial system, including its vessels, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The purity, preciousness, and completeness represented by these dishes and the offerings they contained foreshadow the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who is the ultimate offering that truly reconciles humanity to God. The material vessels facilitated a temporary, symbolic approach; Christ, through His blood, provides direct access to the Holy of Holies ([[Hebrews 10:19-20]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word קְעָרָה (qᵉʻârâh, `{{H7086}}`) refers to a "bowl," "charger," or "dish," etymologically linked to the concept of being "cut out hollow." Its biblical occurrences are exclusively within the context of the Tabernacle and Temple, designating vessels used for sacred offerings and rituals. Made of precious metals like silver and gold, these dishes held significant value and were integral to the Table of Showbread and the dedication offerings of the tribal princes. Theologically, קְעָרָה powerfully symbolizes the holiness, worthiness, and meticulousness required in approaching God. It underscores the value of consecrated offerings, God's faithful provision, and the ordered beauty of divine worship, all pointing to the reverence due to a holy God and ultimately finding their fulfillment in the perfect sacrifice of Christ.
TRV