### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb קְרֵב (qᵉrêb), Strong's `{{H7127}}`, functions as the linguistic equivalent of the Hebrew verb קָרַב (`{{H7126}}`). Its fundamental meaning encompasses "to approach," "to come near," or "to draw near." In its causative sense, it means "to bring near." The base definition highlights its broad applicability, indicating that the purpose of the approach can vary widely, from hostile confrontation to reverent worship. Semantically, it covers physical proximity, temporal closeness, and more abstract notions of relational or cultic approach. It signifies a reduction of distance, whether literal or metaphorical, between two entities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, קְרֵב (`{{H7127}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage reveals a spectrum of applications:
* **Physical Approach/Arrival**: In [[Ezra 4:12]], the participial form describes the Jews "are come" (קָרְבִין) to Jerusalem, indicating their physical arrival and proximity to the city. Similarly, in [[Daniel 3:26]], King Nebuchadnezzar "came near" (קְרֵב) to the mouth of the fiery furnace, and in [[Daniel 6:20]], King Darius "came near" (קְרֵב) to the den of lions. These instances denote a simple physical movement towards a location or object.
* **Bringing Near/Presenting**: In [[Ezra 7:17]], the verb is used in the context of cultic practice, instructing that offerings be "offer[ed]" (תְקָרְבוּן) upon the altar. Here, the causative sense is prominent, signifying the act of bringing sacrifices into the immediate presence of God via the altar. This highlights the concept of presentation and dedication.
* **Confrontation/Accusation**: [[Daniel 3:8]] illustrates a more adversarial use, where certain Chaldeans "came near" (קְרֵבוּ) to accuse the Jewish men before the king. This denotes an approach with a specific, often negative, intent, emphasizing confrontation.
* **Divine Encounter/Revelation**: One of the most profound uses is found in [[Daniel 7:13]], where "one like the Son of Man" (כְּבַר אֱנָשׁ) "came near" (הֲוָה קָרֵב) to the Ancient of Days. This signifies a momentous, divinely ordained approach, indicating access to the very presence of God for the purpose of receiving dominion and glory. This usage is pregnant with eschatological and messianic implications.
* **Seeking Understanding**: In [[Daniel 7:16]], Daniel "came near" (קְרֵב) to one of the heavenly attendants to seek clarification regarding the vision. This illustrates an approach motivated by a desire for knowledge and divine insight.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew counterpart, קָרַב (`{{H7126}}`), which shares the identical core semantic range of drawing near, whether physically, relationally, or ritually. This strong correspondence underscores the continuity of meaning across the two closely related Semitic languages. Another significant related term is קָרְבָּן (`{{H7133}}`), meaning "offering" or "sacrifice," which is directly derived from the root and refers to something "brought near" to God. This highlights the cultic dimension of the word, where the act of "drawing near" through sacrifice is central to worship and atonement. Concepts such as proximity, access, presentation, dedication, and the establishment of relationship (whether positive or negative) are intrinsically linked to `{{H7127}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קְרֵב (`{{H7127}}`) is multifaceted. In its cultic usage ([[Ezra 7:17]]), it underscores the means by which humanity can "approach" God through prescribed rituals, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice as a pathway to divine communion and atonement. This concept of drawing near to God through an intermediary foreshadows the ultimate access provided through Christ.
Perhaps its most profound theological weight lies in [[Daniel 7:13]], depicting the Son of Man's approach to the Ancient of Days. This scene is pivotal for Christology, portraying the investiture of divine authority and sovereignty upon a human-like figure, who is granted universal and everlasting dominion. This "drawing near" is not merely physical but represents a divine commissioning and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It signifies the ultimate proximity of the divine and the human in the person of the Messiah.
Furthermore, the word's use in contexts of peril (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar approaching the furnace, Daniel approaching the den) often precedes divine intervention and deliverance, showcasing God's protective presence even in the face of imminent danger. It highlights the tension between human vulnerability and divine sovereignty.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb קְרֵב (`{{H7127}}`) denotes the act of "approaching," "coming near," or "bringing near." Found in the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel, its usage spans a wide semantic range, from simple physical proximity ([[Ezra 4:12]]) and the presentation of offerings ([[Ezra 7:17]]) to the confrontation of accusers ([[Daniel 3:8]]) and the profound theological encounter between the Son of Man and the Ancient of Days ([[Daniel 7:13]]). As the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew קָרַב (`{{H7126}}`), it consistently conveys the reduction of distance, whether literal or metaphorical. Theologically, it illuminates humanity's means of access to God, the divine commissioning of the Messiah, and the ever-present reality of God's sovereignty and deliverance in human affairs.
TRV