### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qârêach**, represented by `{{H7143}}`, is the name of an **Israelite** whose own name means **bald**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. In scripture, it is used exclusively as a proper name to identify the father of Johanan and Jonathan, who were military leaders during the tumultuous period after the fall of Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Qârêach** `{{H7143}}` is mentioned only in the context of his son, **Yôwchânân** `{{H3110}}`, one of the **captains** `{{H8269}}` of the **forces** `{{H2428}}` who remained in Judah after the Babylonian invasion [[Jeremiah 42:1]]. After Gedaliah was appointed governor, Johanan son of Kareah came to him at Mizpah [[2 Kings 25:23]]. He secretly warned **Gᵉdalyâh** `{{H1436}}` of a plot by **Yishmâʻêʼl** `{{H3458}}` to assassinate him, but the warning was not believed [[Jeremiah 40:15-16]]. When Ishmael did slay Gedaliah and take the people captive, Johanan pursued Ishmael and recovered the remnant [[Jeremiah 41:14]]. Johanan then led the people to seek God's will but ultimately disobeyed the LORD's command, leading the remnant of Judah to **sojourn** `{{H1481}}` in **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` [[Jeremiah 43:2-5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The story of Kareah's descendants is closely tied to several other key figures and concepts:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word establishes the direct familial link, as Kareah is always identified as the father of his **sons** `{{H1121}}`, Johanan and Jonathan [[Jeremiah 40:8]].
* `{{H3110}}` **Yôwchânân** (Johanan, the name of nine Israelites): As the son of Kareah, he is a central figure in the events following the destruction of Jerusalem, acting as a leader for the remnant of Judah [[Jeremiah 41:11]].
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (captain): This title defines the role of Johanan, son of Kareah. He is consistently referred to as one of the **captains** `{{H8269}}` of the forces who gathered after the Babylonian conquest [[Jeremiah 42:8]].
* `{{H1436}}` **Gᵉdalyâh** (Gedaljah, the name of five Israelites): The governor appointed by Babylon. Johanan's interactions with him, including the unheeded warning about his assassination, are pivotal to the narrative [[Jeremiah 40:15]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7143}}` is found in the actions of the individuals it identifies by lineage.
* **Leadership in Crisis:** The name Kareah serves to introduce his son, **Yôwchânân** `{{H3110}}`, one of the military **captains** `{{H8269}}` who attempted to bring order to the **remnant** `{{H7611}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` after the Babylonian exile began [[Jeremiah 40:13]].
* **Seeking Divine Will:** The narrative features a moment where Johanan son of Kareah and all the people approach the prophet Jeremiah to **call** `{{H7121}}` upon the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` for guidance on where they should **go** `{{H3212}}` and what they should **do** `{{H6213}}` [[Jeremiah 42:1-8]].
* **Disobedience to God's Word:** Despite seeking counsel, Johanan and the other captains ultimately reject the message. They accuse Jeremiah of speaking **falsely** `{{H8267}}` and disobey the **voice** `{{H6963}}` of the LORD not to go to **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` ([[Jeremiah 43:2]], [[Jeremiah 43:4]]).
* **Taking the Remnant Astray:** The story culminates with Johanan son of Kareah taking the entire **remnant** `{{H7611}}` of Judah into Egypt, directly against the LORD's command to **dwell** `{{H3427}}` in the **land** `{{H776}}` of Judah [[Jeremiah 43:5]].
### Summary
In summary, **Qârêach** `{{H7143}}` is the name of an Israelite father whose significance is derived entirely from his son, **Yôwchânân** `{{H3110}}`. As one of the military **captains** `{{H8269}}` remaining after the fall of Jerusalem, Johanan son of Kareah plays a critical role in the fate of the **remnant** `{{H7611}}` of Judah. The narrative associated with Kareah's lineage is a poignant account of leadership, a superficial seeking of God's will, and a consequential decision to disobey a direct command from the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`. Thus, the name Kareah serves as an identifier within a powerful illustration of the failure of human leadership when it defies divine authority.
TRV