The Aramaic word qᵉrêb, represented by H7127, corresponds to the Hebrew קָרַב and means to approach or, causatively, to bring near for any purpose. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Aramaic portions of Scripture, often denoting a significant movement toward a person, place, or object of consequence.
In the biblical narrative, H7127 is used to describe both physical proximity and the presentation of offerings. It depicts characters moving toward a focal point, such as when the Chaldeans came near to accuse the Jews Daniel 3:8 or when King Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the fiery furnace Daniel 3:26. In a liturgical sense, it is used for the act of presenting sacrifices, as when a hundred bullocks and other animals were offered at the dedication of the house of God Ezra 6:17. The word also carries a profound theological weight in Daniel's vision, where the Son of man is brought him near before the Ancient of days Daniel 7:13.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the action of approaching:
- H1934 hâvâʼ (to exist; be): This word is used in a great variety of applications and appears with H7127 to form the phrase "may offer" H1934{H7127} sacrifices to God Ezra 6:10, linking the state of being with the action of presentation.
- H4291 mᵉṭâʼ (to arrive, extend or happen; come, reach): In Daniel's vision, the Son of man first came H4291 to the Ancient of days before being brought near Daniel 7:13, suggesting arrival as a precursor to formal presentation.
- H7066 qᵉnâʼ (to purchase; buy): This term is linked to H7127 in Ezra's commission, where he is told to buy H7066 animals and then offer H7127 them upon the altar Ezra 7:17.
- H7170 qᵉrats ([phrase] accuse): This word clarifies the hostile intent behind an approach, as when the Chaldeans came near H7127 and accused H7170 the Jews Daniel 3:8.
- H858 ʼâthâh ({to arrive}; (be-) come, bring): Similar to H4291, this word describes the arrival of the Son of man who came H858 with the clouds before being brought near Daniel 7:13.
The use of H7127 often carries significant purpose, whether judicial or theological.
- Approaching for a Verdict: The word is frequently used in legal or royal settings. The Chaldeans came near to make a formal accusation Daniel 3:8, and others came near to the king to confirm his unalterable decree Daniel 6:12.
- Approaching for Worship: The term is central to the act of sacrifice and worship. It is used for the command to offer sacrifices on the altar of God's house in Jerusalem Ezra 7:17 and for the dedication offerings made for all Israel Ezra 6:17.
- Approaching the Divine Presence: The most profound uses of H7127 involve approaching a divine or supernatural scene. Daniel came near to a heavenly being to ask for the truth of his vision Daniel 7:16, and the Son of man is brought him near into the very presence of the Ancient of days Daniel 7:13.
In summary, H7127 is a dynamic Aramaic term that signifies more than simple movement. It describes a purposeful approach, connecting the physical act of drawing close with consequential actions like accusation, royal consultation, and sacred offerings. From a king approaching a den of lions Daniel 6:20 to the presentation of the Son of man before the Ancient of days Daniel 7:13, qᵉrêb marks a pivotal moment of encounter.
TRV