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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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