(Aramaic) corresponding to קָרָא; {to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)}; call, cry, read.
Transliteration:qᵉrâʼ
Pronunciation:ker-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb qᵉrâʼ (`{{H7123}}`) serves as the direct Aramaic counterpart to the more frequently occurring Hebrew qārāʼ (`{{H7121}}`). Its fundamental meaning revolves around the act of "calling." However, its semantic range is considerably broad, encompassing several distinct but related applications. Primarily, it signifies "to call out to," often implying an address by name or a summon. From this core, it extends to "to cry aloud," "to proclaim" or "announce" a message or decree, and "to invite." A significant specialized usage, particularly prominent in the Aramaic biblical texts, is "to read," which can be understood as "calling out" the words from a written text. This comprehensive range highlights its importance in both interpersonal communication and the dissemination of authoritative pronouncements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, qᵉrâʼ (`{{H7123}}`) is found exclusively within the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament: parts of Daniel, Ezra, and the single Aramaic verse in Jeremiah.
In the book of Daniel, the term frequently describes the summoning of individuals or the proclamation of decrees:
* [[Daniel 2:4]], [[Daniel 2:7]]: The Chaldeans are depicted as *calling* (addressing) the king.
* [[Daniel 3:4]]: A herald *cries aloud* (proclaims) a royal decree, emphasizing the public and authoritative nature of the announcement.
* [[Daniel 4:14]] (MT 4:11): A divine "watcher" *cries aloud* a decree concerning Nebuchadnezzar's fate, underscoring the divine origin and certainty of the proclamation.
* [[Daniel 5:7]], [[Daniel 5:8]], [[Daniel 5:15]]: King Belshazzar *calls* for his wise men to *read* the mysterious writing on the wall, and later Daniel is *called* in for this purpose.
* [[Daniel 5:17]]: Daniel is asked to *read* the inscription, highlighting the act of deciphering and vocalizing a written text.
* [[Daniel 6:20]] (MT 6:21): King Darius *calls* out to Daniel in the lions' den, expressing concern and hope.
In Ezra, qᵉrâʼ (`{{H7123}}`) similarly pertains to official communication:
* [[Ezra 4:17]]: King Artaxerxes sends a reply, effectively *calling* for (commanding) the cessation of the temple rebuilding.
* [[Ezra 5:7]]: Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai *call* (address) King Darius in their letter, seeking clarification.
* [[Ezra 6:10]]: While not directly using qᵉrâʼ for prayer, the context of praying for the king's life is related to invoking or calling upon God on his behalf.
The solitary Aramaic verse in Jeremiah provides a unique theological insight:
* [[Jeremiah 10:11]]: This verse contrasts the true God with idols, stating that the idols "cannot call" (or "cannot be called upon" / "cannot answer"). This emphasizes their lifelessness and inability to interact or respond, highlighting their utter impotence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of qᵉrâʼ (`{{H7123}}`) is significantly enriched by its strong connection to the Hebrew lexicon.
* **`{{H7121}}` qārāʼ (Hebrew):** This is the direct Hebrew cognate, sharing the same root and an almost identical, expansive semantic range. It is used for calling out, crying, proclaiming, naming, reading, summoning, and inviting. The Aramaic qᵉrâʼ can be seen as a direct translation of the Hebrew concept into the Aramaic linguistic context.
* **`{{H7122}}` qārēʼ (Hebrew):** A related Hebrew noun meaning "caller" or "reader," further demonstrating the close semantic field.
* **`{{H6963}}` qôl (Hebrew):** Meaning "voice" or "sound," this word is often associated with the act of calling, crying out, or issuing a sound, providing the auditory dimension to qᵉrâʼ.
* **Proclamation and Decree:** A key concept tied to qᵉrâʼ in the Aramaic texts is the public announcement or official reading of royal or divine edicts. This underscores the authority inherent in the act of "calling out" or "proclaiming."
* **Summoning and Invocation:** The act of calling someone to appear, or the broader concept of calling upon a deity or person for assistance or attention, is central to the word's usage.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of qᵉrâʼ (`{{H7123}}`) in the Aramaic scriptures carry profound theological implications.
* **Divine Proclamation and Sovereignty:** In Daniel, the use of qᵉrâʼ for divine pronouncements (e.g., [[Daniel 4:14]]) powerfully underscores God's ultimate sovereignty. His decrees are "cried aloud" from heaven, indicating their absolute authority and the certainty of their fulfillment in human affairs. This highlights God's active involvement in history and His revelation of His will.
* **Revelation and Understanding:** The act of "reading" (e.g., [[Daniel 5:7-8]], [[Daniel 5:17]]) is not merely a mechanical process but a crucial step in understanding divine messages, such as the mysterious writing on the wall. Daniel's unique ability to "read" and interpret signifies a divinely bestowed wisdom and prophetic insight, revealing hidden truths.
* **Human Authority and Divine Permissiveness:** The word also illustrates the dynamics of human governance, as kings call for their advisors or issue commands. While demonstrating human authority, these actions are often presented within the larger framework of God's overarching plan, suggesting that even human rule operates under divine permission or ordination.
* **Impotence of Idolatry:** The singular use in [[Jeremiah 10:11]] serves as a stark theological contrast. The inability of idols to "call" or respond fundamentally highlights their lifelessness and powerlessness. This stands in stark opposition to the living God, who actively calls His people, reveals His will, and answers their cries, emphasizing His unique nature as the true and active deity.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb qᵉrâʼ (`{{H7123}}`) is a rich and multifaceted term, directly paralleling the Hebrew qārāʼ (`{{H7121}}`). Its primary meanings include "to call out," "to summon," "to proclaim," and "to read." Within the Aramaic portions of Scripture, particularly in Daniel and Ezra, qᵉrâʼ frequently describes the issuance of authoritative decrees, the summoning of individuals for specific purposes, and the vital act of vocalizing and interpreting written messages, often those with divine implications. The poignant usage in [[Jeremiah 10:11]] provides a stark theological contrast, underscoring the mute impotence of idols against the living God who actively communicates and responds. Therefore, qᵉrâʼ illuminates key biblical themes of divine sovereignty, the revelation and comprehension of God's will, the exercise of human authority, and the fundamental distinction between the true, active God and lifeless, man-made deities.
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