### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7139}}` (qârach) is a primitive verb whose core meaning is "to depilate" or "to make (oneself) bald." It signifies the removal of hair, specifically from the scalp. The semantic range of this root extends to describe:
* **Natural Baldness:** The physical state of lacking hair on the head due to age, genetic predisposition, or disease. This is a descriptive use of the term.
* **Intentional Baldness/Shaving:** The deliberate act of shaving or plucking hair from the head, often performed as a ritualistic act. This can be:
* A sign of intense mourning or lamentation.
* A symbol of humiliation or disgrace, whether self-imposed or inflicted by others.
* A practice associated with pagan rituals, which the Israelites were often forbidden to emulate.
* **Figurative Desolation:** While less direct for the verb form, the concept of being "bald" can metaphorically extend to a state of barrenness, desolation, or being stripped bare, particularly when related to land or cities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7139}}` (qârach) are relatively few but consistently illuminate its core meanings within distinct biblical contexts.
* **Leviticus 13:40-41:** These verses utilize the term to describe natural baldness in the context of ritual purity laws concerning skin diseases. The text differentiates between baldness on the "back of the head" and "forehead," explicitly stating that such baldness, in itself, does not render a person unclean.
* [[Leviticus 13:40]]: "And if a man's hair has fallen from his head, he is bald (qârach), but he is clean."
* [[Leviticus 13:41]]: "And if his hair has fallen from the front of his head, he is bald (qârach) on the forehead, but he is clean."
This distinction is crucial, emphasizing that a natural physical condition is not inherently a source of ritual impurity.
* **Deuteronomy 14:1:** This verse contains a significant prohibition directed at the Israelites, forbidding them from engaging in specific mourning practices common among surrounding nations.
* [[Deuteronomy 14:1]]: "You are the sons of the Lord your God. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness (qârach) on your foreheads for the dead."
The explicit prohibition against making oneself bald for the dead highlights a key aspect of Israel's covenant identity and their distinction from pagan mourning rites, which often involved excessive displays of grief and self-mutilation.
* **Isaiah 3:24:** In this prophetic oracle of judgment against the proud women of Jerusalem, baldness is presented as a consequence of divine wrath, replacing their elaborate hairstyles.
* [[Isaiah 3:24]]: "Instead of perfume there will be rottenness; and instead of a belt, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness (qârach); and instead of a rich robe, a covering of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty."
Here, baldness symbolizes humiliation, disgrace, and the reversal of beauty and status, a visible sign of God's judgment.
* **Isaiah 15:2:** This verse describes the widespread lamentation of Moab, where "every head is bald" as a sign of profound grief and national disaster.
* [[Isaiah 15:2]]: "They have gone up to the temple and to Dibon, to the high places to weep; over Nebo and over Medeba, Moab wails; on all their heads is baldness (qârach), every beard is cut off."
This illustrates the common ancient Near Eastern practice of shaving the head as an extreme expression of mourning.
* **Jeremiah 16:6:** In a prophecy of severe judgment, the absence of traditional mourning rites, including making oneself bald, indicates the overwhelming nature of the devastation.
* [[Jeremiah 16:6]]: "Both great and small shall die in this land. They shall not be buried, nor shall anyone lament for them or cut himself or make himself bald (qârach) for them."
The lack of such customary expressions of grief underscores the unprecedented scale of the impending catastrophe.
* **Jeremiah 47:5:** This verse depicts the Philistine city of Gaza in deep lamentation, with "baldness" coming upon it, signifying its defeat and humiliation.
* [[Jeremiah 47:5]]: "Baldness (qârach) has come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off. O remnant of their valley, how long will you cut yourselves?"
Again, baldness is a visual marker of profound sorrow and the consequences of conquest.
* **Ezekiel 7:18:** As part of a vivid description of divine judgment, the prophet declares that "every head will be made bald," indicating widespread shame and terror.
* [[Ezekiel 7:18]]: "They will put on sackcloth, and terror will cover them. Every face will be covered with shame, and every head will be made bald (qârach)."
This reinforces the association of baldness with national humiliation and the terrifying reality of God's wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H7139}}` (qârach) is enriched by considering related Hebrew terms and broader cultural concepts:
* **`{{H7144}}` *qorḥah***: This noun is directly derived from `{{H7139}}` and means "baldness" or "a bald spot." It is often used interchangeably or in conjunction with the verbal form to describe the state of being bald, particularly in contexts of leprosy or mourning.
* **`{{H1809}}` *gabbachath***: Meaning "baldness of the forehead," this noun provides a more specific anatomical reference for baldness, as seen in [[Leviticus 13:41]].
* **Mourning Practices:** The act of making oneself bald (qârach) was one of several common ancient Near Eastern mourning rituals, alongside tearing clothes, wearing sackcloth, and self-laceration. The prohibition in [[Deuteronomy 14:1]] is significant as it sets Israel apart from the despair and idolatry often associated with these pagan practices.
* **Hair as Symbolism:** In ancient cultures, hair often symbolized strength (Samson, [[Judges 16]]), beauty, status, and vitality. Its removal or loss, therefore, could signify weakness, disgrace, mourning, or judgment.
* **Ritual Purity:** The Levitical laws concerning baldness (e.g., [[Leviticus 13]]) highlight the meticulous nature of the Law in distinguishing between natural physical conditions and those that might indicate ritual impurity or disease requiring priestly intervention.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7139}}` (qârach) is primarily found in its contribution to understanding Israel's distinct identity, God's judgment, and the nature of human lamentation.
* **Covenant Distinction and Holiness:** The prohibition in [[Deuteronomy 14:1]] is perhaps the most profound theological application. By forbidding the practice of making oneself bald for the dead, God commanded Israel to express their grief in a manner distinct from the surrounding pagan nations. This was not merely about outward appearance but about the spiritual orientation of their mourning. As God's "sons," their hope and trust were to be in the Lord of life, not in the despair or appeasement of the dead or false gods. It underscored their unique holiness and separation unto God.
* **Divine Judgment and Humiliation:** In prophetic literature, baldness serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment and national humiliation. When God's wrath falls upon His people or their enemies, the stripping away of hair signifies the stripping away of dignity, beauty, and security. It represents a profound reversal of fortune, a public display of shame, and the devastating consequences of sin or rebellion. This imagery powerfully conveys the desolation and disgrace brought about by God's righteous anger.
* **Human Vulnerability and Mortality:** On a more foundational level, baldness, whether natural or imposed, points to the inherent vulnerability of humanity, the transient nature of physical beauty, and the stark reality of mortality. In contexts of mourning, it is a raw, unadorned expression of grief in the face of death, acknowledging human helplessness before the finality of loss.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H7139}}` (qârach) signifies "to make bald" or "to be bald," encompassing both natural baldness and the intentional removal of hair. Its biblical usage reveals its importance in several key areas. In the Levitical purity laws, it distinguishes between ritually clean natural baldness and baldness as a symptom of disease. Theologically, its most significant application lies in the Deuteronomic prohibition against making oneself bald for the dead, which underscores Israel's unique covenant identity and their call to express grief in a manner distinct from pagan despair. Furthermore, in prophetic literature, `{{H7139}}` functions as a powerful symbol of divine judgment, national humiliation, and profound lamentation, visually representing the stripping away of dignity and the consequences of disobedience. Thus, `{{H7139}}` speaks to themes of ritual purity, national identity, the severity of divine judgment, and the raw expressions of human sorrow and vulnerability before God.
TRV