### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qârâʼ**, represented by `{{H7122}}`, conveys the idea of an encounter, whether accidental or hostile. It appears **16 times** across **16 unique verses**. The term's meaning encompasses events that **befall** a person, happen by **chance**, or describe when something or someone is caused to **come upon** another. Its usage ranges from random occurrences to divinely orchestrated events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7122}}` is used to describe a wide array of situations. It can refer to a personal fear of accidental harm, as when Jacob worried that **mischief** `{{H611}}` might **befall** his son Benjamin ([[Genesis 42:4]], [[Genesis 42:38]]). It is also used in prophetic contexts to describe future events, such as when Jacob gathered his sons to tell them what would **befall** them in the last days [[Genesis 49:1]], or when Moses warned that evil would **befall** Israel for their disobedience [[Deuteronomy 31:29]]. The word can describe a chance meeting, like the young man who happened by **chance** upon Mount Gilboa [[2 Samuel 1:6]], or a hostile encounter, as when Absalom **met** the servants of David [[2 Samuel 18:9]]. It is even used for a divine encounter, where the God of the Hebrews **met** with Moses and Aaron [[Exodus 5:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which events **befall** someone:
* `{{H7136}}` **qârâh** (to light upon, happen): This word is very similar and is used alongside `{{H7122}}` to emphasize a chance event, as in the account of the man who **happened** `{{H7136}}` by **chance** `{{H7122}}` upon Saul on the mountain [[2 Samuel 1:6]].
* `{{H6293}}` **pâgaʻ** (to impinge, fall upon, meet): This term often implies a more forceful or violent encounter. In [[Exodus 5:3]], Moses and Aaron ask to sacrifice to God, lest He **fall** `{{H6293}}` upon them with pestilence, after stating that God had **met** `{{H7122}}` with them.
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or evil): This word frequently describes the nature of what **befalls** people as a consequence of their actions. God caused "all this **evil**" `{{H7451}}` to **come** `{{H7122}}` upon Israel for their disobedience [[Jeremiah 32:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7122}}` is found in its application to both consequence and sovereignty.
* **Consequence of Sin:** The term is frequently linked to judgment for disobedience. Moses warns that **evil** will **befall** the Israelites in the latter days because they will do evil in the sight of the LORD [[Deuteronomy 31:29]]. Jeremiah confirms this judgment, stating that evil has **happened** to the people because they sinned against the LORD [[Jeremiah 44:23]].
* **Sovereignty in "Chance" Events:** While `{{H7122}}` can describe what seems to be a random event, such as a bird's nest chancing to be in one's path [[Deuteronomy 22:6]], it is also used for events directly caused by God. God is the one who caused evil to **come** `{{H7122}}` upon Israel [[Jeremiah 32:23]], showing that even events that "happen" are within His control.
* **Personal and Prophetic Future:** The word connects the personal anxieties of individuals, like Jacob's fears for his son [[Genesis 42:4]], with the prophetic declarations about the future of an entire nation. Jacob tells his sons what will **befall** them in the last days [[Genesis 49:1]], framing their future as a series of encounters with their destiny.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7122}}` **qârâʼ** is a dynamic word that depicts the intersection of events and lives. It moves beyond a simple definition of "to happen" and illustrates a world where encounters can be accidental, hostile, or divinely initiated. Most significantly, it serves as a powerful reminder in scripture that actions have consequences, and that what "befalls" a person or a nation is often the direct result of their choices.
TRV