from קָרַב; near; approach, come (near, nigh), draw near.
Transliteration:qârêb
Pronunciation:kaw-rabe'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7131 (קָרֵב, qârêb) is an adjective or participle derived from the verb `{{H7126}}` (קָרַב, qārab), meaning "to draw near" or "to approach." As qârêb, its core meaning is "near," "at hand," "approaching," or "imminent." Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Spatial Proximity:** Indicating physical closeness in location (e.g., a city being near).
* **Temporal Imminence:** Denoting an event or time that is about to occur (e.g., a day being near).
* **Relational Nearness:** Describing personal or relational closeness, often implying accessibility or intimacy (e.g., God being near to His people, or a kinsman).
* **Figurative Closeness:** Pertaining to matters that are at hand for decision or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of H7131 across the Hebrew Bible illustrates its versatile application:
* **Spatial Nearness:** [[Genesis 19:20]] uses qârêb to describe a city that is "near" enough for Lot to flee to. Similarly, [[Joshua 9:16]] refers to the Gibeonites dwelling "near" the Israelites.
* **Temporal Imminence:** This is a prominent usage, particularly in prophetic literature, to signify the approaching "Day of the Lord." Examples include [[Joel 1:15]], [[Joel 2:1]], [[Obadiah 1:15]], and [[Zephaniah 1:7]], all announcing that "the day of the Lord is near." [[Deuteronomy 32:35]] also speaks of the day of calamity being "at hand." [[Ezekiel 7:7]] and [[Ezekiel 7:12]] likewise emphasize the "nearness" of judgment for Israel.
* **Relational and Theological Nearness:** This aspect holds profound theological weight. [[Deuteronomy 4:7]] poses the rhetorical question, "For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?" This highlights Israel's unique privilege. [[Psalm 34:18]] declares, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit," emphasizing divine compassion. [[Psalm 145:18]] affirms, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." [[Isaiah 55:6]] issues an invitation: "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." [[Jeremiah 23:23]] presents God's rhetorical question, "Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God afar off?" affirming His omnipresence and accessibility. [[Numbers 16:9]] uses qârêb in the context of God bringing the Levites "near" to Himself for service.
* **Kinsman/Relative:** In [[Ruth 2:20]], qârêb is used to refer to a "near relative" or kinsman (often translated as "kinsman-redeemer," *go'el*), highlighting a familial and legal proximity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which H7131 is derived:
* `{{H7126}}` (קָרַב, qārab): The verb "to draw near," "to approach," "to come close." This root underpins the meaning of H7131.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Antonym:** `{{H7350}}` (רָחוֹק, rāḥōq), meaning "far" or "distant," which provides a direct contrast to qârêb, as seen in [[Jeremiah 23:23]].
* **Synonyms/Associated Concepts:** Words implying proximity, accessibility, or imminence, such as `{{H5066}}` (נָגַע, nāgaʿ, "to touch") or `{{H6924}}` (קָדַם, qādam, "to meet").
* **Theological Concepts:** Immanence, divine presence, accessibility, intimacy, judgment, salvation, and urgency.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7131 is profound and multifaceted:
* **God's Immanence and Accessibility:** Perhaps the most comforting and central theological implication of qârêb is its description of God's nearness to His people. This is not merely a spatial proximity but a relational and salvific one. God is not a distant, unapproachable deity, but one who draws near to those who seek Him ([[Isaiah 55:6]]), who are brokenhearted ([[Psalm 34:18]]), and who call upon Him in truth ([[Psalm 145:18]]). This concept underscores God's active involvement in the world and His compassionate engagement with humanity. Israel's unique covenant relationship is highlighted by the unparalleled truth that their God is "near" to them ([[Deuteronomy 4:7]]).
* **The Imminence of Divine Action:** The frequent use of qârêb to describe the "Day of the Lord" carries a dual theological weight. It serves as a solemn warning of impending judgment for the wicked and a promise of vindication and salvation for the righteous. This temporal nearness calls for repentance, vigilance, and faithfulness, emphasizing that God's plans are not distant but actively unfolding within history.
* **Invitation to Intimacy:** God's "nearness" is an invitation. The Levites were brought qârêb to God for service ([[Numbers 16:9]]), symbolizing a call to consecrated relationship and worship. This highlights that human beings are invited to draw near to God in faith and obedience.
* **The Kinsman-Redeemer:** The application of qârêb to a "near relative" (go'el) in [[Ruth 2:20]] foreshadows the concept of a divine Redeemer who draws near to His people to redeem them from bondage and restore their inheritance, a concept ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7131 (qârêb) signifies "nearness" in various dimensions—spatial, temporal, and relational. Derived from the verb "to draw near," it is extensively used in the Hebrew Bible to describe physical proximity, the imminence of events (especially the "Day of the Lord"), and, most significantly, the profound accessibility and immanence of God. Theologically, qârêb is a cornerstone for understanding God's character as one who is not distant but intimately present and responsive to His people, offering both comfort in His closeness to the afflicted and a solemn call to preparedness for His impending actions. It encapsulates the dynamic relationship between a holy God and His human creation, emphasizing both His sovereign initiative to draw near and humanity's privilege and responsibility to respond to His presence.
TRV