### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7135, *qârâh* (קָרָה), is defined as the feminine form of `{{H7136}}` (*qar*), signifying "coolness" or "cold." While `{{H7136}}` functions as an adjective meaning "cold" (e.g., "cold water"), H7135 is presented as a noun denoting the state or quality of being cold. Its root conveys the literal sense of low temperature, distinct from heat or warmth. In a climate often characterized by intense heat, "coolness" could carry connotations of refreshment and relief, while "cold" might imply harshness or discomfort, depending on the context. The semantic range is primarily physical, describing atmospheric conditions or the temperature of objects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that while H7135 is defined as a noun meaning "coolness" or "cold," this specific noun form does not appear as a distinct lexical entry in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible under this Strong's number. The concept of "cold" or "coolness," however, is frequently expressed through the related adjective `{{H7136}}` (*qar*) and other terms.
For instance, the refreshing quality of cold is vividly portrayed in [[Proverbs 25:25]]: "As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Here, the adjective `{{H7136}}` is used to describe water, emphasizing its life-giving and restorative properties in a parched land. Conversely, cold can signify hardship and lack, as seen in [[Job 24:7]], where the destitute are described as having "no covering in the cold." This illustrates cold as a condition of vulnerability and suffering. Furthermore, cold is presented as an element under divine control in [[Psalm 147:17]], which speaks of God casting forth "His ice like morsels; who can stand before His cold?" This verse employs `{{H7136}}` to underscore God's sovereign power over the natural world and its extreme phenomena.
While H7135 itself is not attested as a noun in biblical usage, its conceptual meaning is fully present through its masculine adjectival counterpart, `{{H7136}}`, demonstrating the significance of "cold" as both a beneficial and challenging aspect of life in the ancient Near East.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H7136}}` (*qar*), the masculine adjective from which H7135 is derived. This adjective is consistently used to describe "cold" temperatures or objects in the biblical text. Other related concepts or words that denote aspects of temperature include:
* `{{H2527}}` (*cham*): "Hot," often used for heat or warmth.
* `{{H2555}}` (*chom*): "Heat," a noun representing the opposite of cold.
* `{{H6878}}` (*tsinnah*): "Coldness," "chill," sometimes used for the literal state of cold or a chilling wind.
* `{{H7137}}` (*qarah*): While phonetically similar, this is a distinct verbal root meaning "to meet," "to happen," or "to encounter." It is crucial not to confuse the noun H7135 (as defined by Strong's) with this verb.
The conceptual interplay between "cold" and "heat" often highlights the extremes of natural conditions and their impact on human experience, ranging from refreshment and comfort to hardship and exposure.
### Theological Significance
Though H7135 as a noun does not appear in the biblical text, the concept of "cold" carries theological weight through the use of its related adjective `{{H7136}}`.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Creation:** The ability to command cold, ice, and snow ([[Psalm 147:17]]) demonstrates God's absolute power and control over the natural order. This highlights His majesty and omnipotence, as no human or force can withstand His decree concerning the elements.
2. **Provision and Refreshment:** The image of "cold water" ([[Proverbs 25:25]]) serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual or emotional refreshment. Just as physical thirst is quenched by cold water, so too is the soul revitalized by good news or divine truth. This speaks to God's provision for both physical and spiritual needs.
3. **Human Vulnerability and Suffering:** The experience of cold can symbolize human vulnerability, destitution, and suffering ([[Job 24:7]]). In this context, cold represents a state of exposure and need, underscoring the plight of the poor and the importance of compassion.
4. **Metaphorical Potential:** While the Bible does not explicitly use "coldness" in the same negative spiritual sense as "lukewarmness" (e.g., [[Revelation 3:16]]), the contrast between cold and warmth can implicitly reflect spiritual states. However, in the Old Testament, "cold" is often either a neutral descriptor of weather or a positive image of refreshment.
### Summary
H7135, *qârâh*, is defined as a noun signifying "coolness" or "cold," derived from the adjective `{{H7136}}` (*qar*). While this specific noun form is not attested in the biblical text, the concept of "cold" is richly present through the adjective `{{H7136}}`. Biblically, "cold" functions both as a source of refreshing provision, as seen in "cold water" for a thirsty soul ([[Proverbs 25:25]]), and as an indicator of hardship and vulnerability, as experienced by those without covering ([[Job 24:7]]). The divine control over cold and other weather phenomena ([[Psalm 147:17]]) underscores God's supreme power and sovereignty. Thus, while H7135 itself remains a theoretical grammatical construct in biblical usage, its underlying semantic root contributes significantly to the Bible's portrayal of natural phenomena and their theological implications regarding divine power, human experience, and God's provision.
TRV