### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qerach**, represented by `{{H7140}}`, refers to **ice**, **frost**, or **crystal**. Based on a root meaning smooth or bald, it appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses**. This term is used to describe frozen water in various forms, from natural frost on the ground to a visionary substance of terrible beauty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7140}}` often depicts harsh environmental conditions. Jacob speaks of being consumed by the **drought** `{{H2721}}` in the **day** `{{H3117}}` and the **frost** `{{H7140}}` by **night** `{{H3915}}` [[Genesis 31:40]]. A similar fate is prophesied for King **Jehoiakim** `{{H3079}}`, whose **dead body** `{{H5038}}` would be cast out to the **frost** [[Jeremiah 36:30]]. The word also illustrates God's power over nature, as He **casteth forth** `{{H7993}}` His **ice** `{{H7140}}` like **morsels** `{{H6595}}` [[Psalms 147:17]]. In a striking visual, it is used in Ezekiel’s vision to describe the **firmament** `{{H7549}}` having the **colour** `{{H5869}}` of the **terrible** `{{H3372}}` **crystal** `{{H7140}}` [[Ezekiel 1:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of cold and desolation associated with `{{H7140}}`:
* `{{H2721}}` **chôreb** (drought, heat): Often used in direct contrast to **frost**, highlighting the extreme temperature changes between **day** `{{H3117}}` and **night** `{{H3915}}` ([[Genesis 31:40]], [[Jeremiah 36:30]]).
* `{{H3713}}` **kᵉphôwr** (hoar frost): A close synonym, paired with **ice** `{{H7140}}` in a question from God that emphasizes His role as creator [[Job 38:29]].
* `{{H7950}}` **sheleg** (snow): Mentioned alongside **ice** `{{H7140}}` to describe waters that become **blackish** `{{H6937}}` and where **snow** `{{H7950}}` is **hid** `{{H5956}}` [[Job 6:16]].
* `{{H7135}}` **qârâh** (cold): Directly linked to the power of God's **ice** `{{H7140}}`, asking who can **stand** `{{H5975}}` before His **cold** [[Psalms 147:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7140}}` is tied to God's sovereignty over the natural world and His divine majesty.
* **Manifestation of Divine Power:** **Frost** `{{H7140}}` is **given** `{{H5414}}` by the **breath** `{{H5397}}` of **God** `{{H410}}`, causing the **breadth** `{{H7341}}` of the **waters** `{{H4325}}` to be **straitened** `{{H4164}}` [[Job 37:10]]. God’s authority is asserted when He asks, "Out of whose **womb** `{{H990}}` **came** `{{H3318}}` the **ice** `{{H7140}}`?" [[Job 38:29]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The word signifies divine punishment, as seen in the prophecy against **Jehoiakim** `{{H3079}}`, whose body would be exposed to the **frost** `{{H7140}}` as a consequence of his actions [[Jeremiah 36:30]].
* **Symbol of Awesome Majesty:** The term is elevated to a supernatural descriptor in Ezekiel's vision, where the **firmament** `{{H7549}}` above the **living creature** `{{H2416}}` has the appearance of **terrible** `{{H3372}}` **crystal** `{{H7140}}`, conveying the fearsome and glorious nature of God's throne [[Ezekiel 1:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7140}}` **qerach** is a multifaceted term that moves from the earthly to the heavenly. It represents a tangible element of the natural world—ice and frost—used by God to execute judgment and demonstrate His power. Simultaneously, it serves as a powerful symbol for the terrifying and magnificent substance of the divine realm, capturing both the hardship of creation and the awesome glory of its Creator.
TRV