### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7137 (קָרֶה, qâreh) is a noun derived from the verb קָרָה (qârah, H7136), meaning "to meet," "to happen," or "to encounter." Consequently, qâreh denotes an "occurrence" or "happening," specifically one that is *unforeseen* or *accidental*. Its semantic range is tightly focused on an involuntary incident that results in a state of ceremonial disqualification or ritual uncleanness. It is crucial to distinguish this from moral sin; qâreh refers to an impurity that "chanceth" or "comes upon" an individual through no fault or deliberate action of their own, yet still necessitates a period of separation and ritual purification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7137 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Deuteronomy:
* **[[Deuteronomy 23:10]] (English: [[Deuteronomy 23:11]]):** "If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp."
In this sole occurrence, qâreh refers specifically to a nocturnal emission (seminal discharge). The context is the maintenance of ritual purity within the Israelite camp, which was considered the dwelling place of Yahweh. The "uncleanness that chanceth him by night" is an involuntary bodily discharge that renders the individual ritually impure. The prescribed response is temporary exclusion from the camp until evening, followed by washing and subsequent re-entry. This passage underscores the meticulous standards of purity required for the people to dwell in the immediate presence of a holy God, even for conditions that were not the result of deliberate transgression. The accidental nature of the qâreh highlights that ritual impurity was a state of being, not necessarily a moral failing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H7137 is its root verb, קָרָה (qârah, H7136), which broadly signifies an "encounter" or "happening." This root reinforces the idea that qâreh is something that *occurs* or *befalls* a person, rather than something intentionally caused.
Conceptually, qâreh is deeply embedded within the broader biblical framework of **ritual purity and impurity** (Hebrew: ṭum'ah, H2932, and ṭahorah, H2893). It stands alongside other sources of ritual impurity such as:
* Contact with a dead body.
* Certain skin diseases (often translated as "leprosy").
* Bodily discharges (e.g., menstruation, seminal emissions, abnormal flows).
* Childbirth.
Unlike some forms of impurity that might stem from a deliberate act (e.g., eating an unclean animal), the qâreh is distinct because it is an *involuntary* occurrence. This differentiates it from moral sin, which involves a conscious transgression of God's law. However, both moral sin and ritual impurity necessitate separation from the holy and a process of purification.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H7137 in [[Deuteronomy 23:10]] carries profound theological implications regarding the nature of God, humanity, and holiness:
1. **God's Absolute Holiness and Presence:** The requirement for purification from qâreh underscores the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the sanctity of His dwelling place among His people. Even involuntary bodily functions, though not sinful, were incompatible with the immediate, unmediated presence of a perfectly holy God. The camp was to be a reflection of God's purity.
2. **Distinction Between Moral and Ritual Impurity:** qâreh serves as a clear example that not all "uncleanness" is synonymous with sin. It teaches that humans, in their fallen state, are inherently susceptible to various forms of impurity—some moral, some ritual—that separate them from perfect communion with God. This involuntary impurity highlights the pervasive impact of sin on creation, even affecting the body's natural processes.
3. **God's Provision for Cleansing and Restoration:** Despite the impurity, God graciously provided a clear path to restoration: washing with water and waiting until evening. This demonstrates God's desire for His people to be able to re-enter His presence, emphasizing His mercy and the accessibility of cleansing for even accidental defilements.
4. **Symbolic Foreshadowing:** The laws concerning qâreh and other ritual impurities served as object lessons, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. They highlighted humanity's need for a perfect, comprehensive cleansing that could address not only ritual defilement but also the deeper uncleanness of sin. This finds its ultimate fulfillment in the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who provides a permanent spiritual purification that transcends the temporary, physical cleansings of the Old Covenant (cf. [[Hebrews 9:13-14]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7137 (קָרֶה, qâreh) refers to an accidental or involuntary occurrence that results in temporary ritual impurity, specifically a nocturnal emission as seen in [[Deuteronomy 23:10]]. Derived from the verb "to happen" (H7136), it emphasizes the non-volitional nature of the defilement. Its singular biblical usage highlights the strict standards of purity required in God's presence, underscoring His absolute holiness. The concept of qâreh distinguishes between moral sin and ritual uncleanness, demonstrating that even involuntary bodily states could necessitate temporary separation from the holy camp. The prescribed purification rituals, though simple, reveal God's gracious provision for His people to be restored to a state of ritual readiness, ultimately foreshadowing the complete spiritual cleansing offered through Christ.
TRV