### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **qᵉrâʼ**, represented by `{{H7123}}`, corresponds to the Hebrew קָרָא and primarily means to **call out to**, **cry**, or **read**. It appears **11 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, often in contexts of proclamation, summons, or the deciphering of written text. Its application ranges from a literal shout to the formal reading of an official document.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7123}}` carries a sense of urgency and authority. It describes a king who **cried** aloud to summon his wise men [[Daniel 5:7]] and a heavenly messenger who **cried** a divine decree [[Daniel 4:14]]. The term is central to the account of the writing on the wall, where the king challenges anyone who can **read** the mysterious text [[Daniel 5:7]], a task his wise men were unable to perform ([[Daniel 5:8]], [[Daniel 5:15]]). Daniel is ultimately **called** [[Daniel 5:12]] and is the only one able to **read** the writing [[Daniel 5:17]]. The word is also used for the official **reading** of King Artaxerxes' letter, which leads to immediate action ([[Ezra 4:18]], [[Ezra 4:23]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and context of **qᵉrâʼ**:
* `{{H2429}}` **chayil**: This word for **strength** or **power** is frequently used to mean **aloud**. It describes the volume of a proclamation, such as when a herald **cried** `{{H7123}}` **aloud** `{{H2429}}` [[Daniel 3:4]] or a king **cried** `{{H7123}}` **aloud** `{{H2429}}` [[Daniel 5:7]]. It also describes the **power** by which a decree that was **read** `{{H7123}}` was enforced [[Ezra 4:23]].
* `{{H2324}}` **chăvâʼ**: Meaning **to show**, this word is often paired with reading. The challenge was not just to **read** `{{H7123}}` the writing but to **shew** its interpretation [[Daniel 5:7]]. Daniel was called upon because it was known he could **shew** the meaning [[Daniel 5:12]].
* `{{H3046}}` **yᵉdaʻ**: This word, meaning **to know** or **make known**, represents the step beyond reading. The wise men could not **read** `{{H7123}}` the writing, nor **make known** its interpretation [[Daniel 5:8]]. Daniel, in contrast, promises to both **read** the writing and **make known** the interpretation to the king [[Daniel 5:17]].
* `{{H560}}` **ʼămar**: As the common word for **to say**, it often follows a call or cry. After a figure **cried** `{{H7123}}`, the text notes that he **said** something, indicating that the cry was a precursor to a specific message ([[Daniel 4:14]], [[Daniel 5:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H7123}}` carries significant theological weight, particularly in the book of Daniel.
* **Authoritative Proclamation:** The act of crying aloud or reading is linked to power. Kings and heralds use it to issue commands and decrees that demand a response from all people [[Daniel 3:4]]. This establishes a pattern where a vocal proclamation carries the force of law.
* **Human vs. Divine Knowledge:** The inability of Babylon's wise men to **read** the divine writing on the wall demonstrates the limits of human wisdom when faced with God's revelation [[Daniel 5:8]]. Their failure to perform the basic act of reading shows their complete powerlessness to understand the divine message.
* **Revelation and Interpretation:** Daniel's ability to **read** the writing is the critical first step in revealing God's judgment. The act of reading `{{H7123}}` is directly tied to his capacity to **shew** `{{H2324}}` and **make known** `{{H3046}}` the interpretation, a gift attributed to the "excellent spirit" within him [[Daniel 5:12]]. Reading, in this context, is a sacred and divinely enabled act.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7123}}` **qᵉrâʼ** is a dynamic Aramaic term that connects the physical act of a **cry** or the skill of **reading** with the exercise of authority and the process of revelation. Whether used for a king's summons, a legal decree, or a divine message written on a wall, the word underscores that true understanding often requires more than simple literacy; it requires the authority or spiritual insight to grasp the meaning behind the words being proclaimed or read.
TRV