contracted from an unused root meaning to chill; cool; figuratively, quiet; cold, excellent (from the margin).
Transliteration:qar
Pronunciation:kar
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קַר (qar, `{{H7119}}`) is derived from an unused root meaning "to chill." Its primary literal meaning is "cool" or "cold," referring to a low temperature. This physical sensation extends figuratively to describe a state of "quiet" or "calm," implying a lack of agitation or heat, much like a cool, still environment. The marginal note of "excellent" suggests a potential connotative extension, perhaps from the refreshing or superior quality associated with coolness in arid climates, though this sense is less attested in biblical usage. Thus, the semantic range moves from the tangible sensation of cold to the abstract state of tranquility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קַר (qar, `{{H7119}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in two distinct contexts, both illustrating its core meaning of "cold" and its associated metaphorical implications:
1. **Proverbs 25:25**: "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Here, קַר (qar) describes the attribute of water that brings immense relief and refreshment to one who is parched. The "coldness" is not merely a descriptive quality but highlights the invigorating and life-giving nature of such water. This serves as a powerful simile for the profound joy and renewal brought by positive tidings, especially after a period of anxious waiting or hardship. The context emphasizes the beneficial and desirable aspect of "coldness."
2. **Jeremiah 18:14**: "Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?" In this rhetorical question, קַר (qar) again describes water, specifically "cold flowing waters" (מַיִם קָרִים נוֹזְלִים - mayim qarim nozlim). The prophet uses the natural, reliable, and refreshing source of water from the mountains as a stark contrast to the people of Judah, who have forsaken the steadfast and life-giving God for unreliable idols. The "coldness" here signifies purity, freshness, and an enduring, dependable source, highlighting the folly of abandoning what is genuinely good and constant.
In both instances, the physical attribute of "coldness" is employed to convey qualities of refreshment, reliability, and essential goodness, serving as a powerful metaphor in the wisdom literature and prophetic discourse. The figurative sense of "quiet" or "calm," while part of the lemma's definition, is less overtly present in these specific biblical occurrences, though the concept of a refreshing coolness can certainly evoke a sense of peace.
### Related Words & Concepts
While קַר (qar, `{{H7119}}`) is noted as being from an "unused root," its conceptual associations link it to several important biblical themes and words.
1. **Water and Refreshment**: The most direct conceptual link is to מַיִם (mayim, `{{H4325}}`, "water"). The "cold waters" are emblematic of divine provision and spiritual sustenance. This connects to themes of quenching thirst, both physical and spiritual, as seen in passages like [[Isaiah 55:1]] or [[John 7:37-38]] (though the latter is Greek, the concept is shared).
2. **Steadfastness and Reliability**: In Jeremiah, the "cold flowing waters" represent an unwavering, dependable natural phenomenon. This stands in contrast to human fickleness and unfaithfulness. The concept of steadfastness (חֶסֶד - chesed, `{{H2617}}`, "loyal love" or "faithfulness") is a core attribute of God, often contrasted with human inconstancy.
3. **Peace and Tranquility**: Although not explicitly used for "quiet" in the biblical occurrences of `{{H7119}}`, the idea of "coolness" can evoke a sense of calm (שָׁלוֹם - shalom, `{{H7965}}`, "peace") or rest (נוּחַ - nuach, `{{H5117}}`, "to rest"). A "cool" environment is often associated with comfort and freedom from distress.
4. **Divine Provision**: The imagery of cold water as a blessing points to God as the ultimate provider of all good things, satisfying the deepest needs of humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קַר (qar, `{{H7119}}`) lies primarily in its metaphorical applications, which illuminate aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity.
1. **Divine Refreshment and Sustenance**: The "cold waters" of [[Proverbs 25:25]] powerfully symbolize the refreshing and life-giving nature of God's truth and good news. Just as physical cold water revives the parched soul, so does God's Word and His faithful provision bring spiritual renewal and joy. This points to God as the ultimate source of spiritual satisfaction, capable of quenching the deepest thirsts of the human heart.
2. **God's Unchanging Faithfulness**: In [[Jeremiah 18:14]], the "cold flowing waters" serve as a metaphor for the unwavering and reliable nature of God's covenant and His ways. Unlike the fickle and unfaithful people of Judah, God's character and His promises are as constant and dependable as the perpetually flowing, cold mountain springs. This highlights divine constancy and justice, contrasting it with human transience and sin.
3. **The Blessing of Truth**: The "good news" likened to "cold waters" in Proverbs suggests that divine revelation and truth are not merely intellectual propositions but vital, life-sustaining realities that bring immense comfort and relief. It underscores the value of hearing and receiving God's message.
4. **The Contrast with Spiritual Apathy**: While not directly stated, the concept of "coldness" can sometimes be contrasted with "warmth" or "hotness" in other biblical contexts (e.g., [[Revelation 3:15-16]]). In such cases, "cold" might imply a lack of spiritual fervor or indifference. However, in the occurrences of `{{H7119}}`, "cold" is overwhelmingly positive, signifying purity, refreshment, and reliability, rather than spiritual apathy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קַר (qar, `{{H7119}}`) primarily denotes "cool" or "cold," stemming from a root meaning "to chill." While it can figuratively imply "quiet," its biblical occurrences most prominently feature the literal sense, employed metaphorically to convey profound theological truths. In [[Proverbs 25:25]], "cold waters" symbolize the invigorating refreshment and joy brought by good news, reflecting God's provision and the life-giving nature of His truth. In [[Jeremiah 18:14]], "cold flowing waters" represent the steadfastness, purity, and reliability of God's ways, serving as a stark contrast to human inconstancy. Thus, קַר (qar) serves as a potent image in the biblical narrative, underscoring themes of divine refreshment, unwavering faithfulness, and the essential goodness of God's provision for humanity.
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