### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun qôr (`{{H7120}}`) directly translates to "cold" or "frost." It is derived from the same root as qar (`{{H7119}}`), an adjective meaning "cold" or "cool." The primary semantic range of qôr is strictly literal, referring to a low temperature or the sensation of coldness. It describes a physical environmental condition, often associated with winter, night, or specific weather phenomena like frost or chilling winds. Unlike some other biblical terms, qôr does not typically carry a metaphorical sense of spiritual indifference or emotional detachment in its direct occurrences, maintaining its concrete, physical meaning throughout the Hebrew Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qôr (`{{H7120}}`) appears in five distinct passages, each illustrating its literal sense in various contexts:
* **[[Proverbs 25:25]]**: "Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a distant land." Here, qôr describes the refreshing quality of "cold water," emphasizing its capacity to bring relief and revitalization. The comparison highlights the profound satisfaction derived from unexpected good news.
* **[[Jeremiah 36:30]]**: "Therefore thus says the LORD concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He shall have no one to sit on the throne of David, and his dead body shall be cast out to the heat by day and to the frost by night." In this prophetic judgment, qôr refers to the "frost" or "cold" of the night, contrasting with the "heat" of the day. It signifies exposure to the harsh, extreme elements, a fate of dishonor and lack of burial, underscoring the severity of divine wrath.
* **[[Nahum 3:17]]**: "Your princes are like locusts, your commanders like swarms of locusts settling on the fences on a cold day; when the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where they are." Here, qôr denotes a "cold day," a condition that renders the locusts (a metaphor for Assyrian leaders) inactive and vulnerable. The cold inhibits their movement, making them easy prey or causing them to disperse, illustrating the swift and complete disappearance of Nineveh's leadership in the face of judgment.
* **[[Job 37:9]]**: "From the chamber comes the storm, and cold from the north." This verse attributes the "cold" to the northern direction, a common understanding in the ancient Near East where northern winds often brought chilling temperatures and storms. It highlights God's sovereign control over natural phenomena, specifically the origins of weather.
* **[[Psalm 147:17]]**: "He casts forth His ice like morsels; who can stand before His cold?" In this hymn of praise, qôr is directly associated with God's power over the elements, specifically the extreme "cold" that accompanies ice and frost. It underscores the overwhelming and irresistible might of Yahweh, before whom no created thing can stand when He unleashes the forces of nature.
Across these occurrences, qôr consistently describes a physical state of low temperature, whether for refreshment, judgment, vulnerability, or as an expression of divine power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of qôr (`{{H7120}}`) is the adjective qar (`{{H7119}}`), from which it is derived. Qar also means "cold" or "cool" and is used to describe water, air, or even a "cool spirit" (Proverbs 17:27). This close relationship reinforces the literal meaning of qôr.
Other related concepts in the Hebrew Bible that describe aspects of low temperature or frozen precipitation include:
* Sheleg (`{{H7950}}`): "snow," frequently mentioned as a symbol of purity (e.g., [[Psalm 51:7]]) or God's power (e.g., [[Job 38:22]]).
* Qerach (`{{H7140}}`): "ice" or "frost," often appearing alongside qôr or sheleg to describe the severity of winter or divine judgment (e.g., [[Genesis 31:40]], [[Psalm 147:17]] where it appears with qôr).
* Barad (`{{H1259}}`): "hail," another form of frozen precipitation used as an instrument of divine judgment (e.g., [[Exodus 9:18]], [[Joshua 10:11]]).
These terms collectively paint a picture of the biblical understanding of weather and climate, often employed to illustrate divine sovereignty, human vulnerability, or the natural cycle of seasons.
### Theological Significance
While qôr (`{{H7120}}`) primarily functions as a descriptive term for a physical state, its occurrences contribute to several theological themes:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Creation:** The most prominent theological implication is God's absolute control over the natural world. Passages like [[Job 37:9]] and [[Psalm 147:17]] explicitly attribute the origin and power of "cold" to Yahweh. He commands the elements, sending cold, ice, and snow as He wills. This demonstrates His immense power and wisdom, before which humanity is humbled.
2. **Judgment and Disfavor:** In contexts like [[Jeremiah 36:30]], qôr signifies exposure to harsh, unforgiving conditions, symbolizing divine judgment and a lack of protection or honor. The cold of the night, alongside the heat of the day, represents the full brunt of adverse circumstances meted out by God.
3. **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The presence of extreme cold highlights human fragility and dependence on God's provision and protection. When God sends the cold, who can stand? This question in [[Psalm 147:17]] underscores humanity's limited power in the face of nature's might, reminding believers of their reliance on the Creator.
4. **Refreshing Provision:** In a positive sense, as seen in [[Proverbs 25:25]], "cold water" serves as a metaphor for something profoundly refreshing and life-giving. This illustrates God's capacity to provide comfort and restoration, often through unexpected means, bringing relief to the weary soul.
Thus, qôr contributes to a biblical worldview where natural phenomena are not random but are instruments and expressions of God's character and purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word qôr (`{{H7120}}`) denotes "cold" or "frost" and is consistently used in its literal sense throughout the Old Testament. Derived from qar (`{{H7119}}`), it describes a physical environmental condition. Its occurrences in [[Proverbs 25:25]], [[Jeremiah 36:30]], [[Nahum 3:17]], [[Job 37:9]], and [[Psalm 147:17]] illustrate its use in contexts of refreshment, divine judgment, vulnerability, and as an attribute of God's majestic power over creation. Theologically, qôr underscores God's sovereignty over natural elements, signifies hardship or judgment, highlights human vulnerability, and can metaphorically represent refreshing provision. It is a straightforward term that, nonetheless, contributes to the rich biblical tapestry of God's interaction with His world and humanity.
TRV