### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7147 (קְרִי, *qᵉrîy*) is derived from the root `{{H7136}}` (קָרָה, *qarah*), meaning "to meet," "to happen," or "to encounter." However, qᵉrîy carries a specific, intensified nuance, denoting an encounter or disposition that is inherently "hostile," "antagonistic," or "contrary." It does not simply describe a chance meeting, but rather an adversarial posture or a defiant opposition. The core meaning thus extends beyond a mere "meeting" to signify a deliberate act of contrariness, a walking in opposition to another's will or way. This implies a deep-seated resistance, an attitude of unyielding defiance that results in a state of conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qᵉrîy is uniquely concentrated in the book of Leviticus, appearing nine times exclusively within the covenant curses outlined in chapter 26 ([[Leviticus 26:21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 40, 41 (twice), 43]]). Its repetitive use in this context underscores its critical significance for understanding the nature of Israel's disobedience and God's response.
In these passages, qᵉrîy consistently describes Israel's rebellious posture towards God's commandments. Phrases such as "if you walk contrary to me" (וְאִם תֵּלְכוּ עִמִּי בְּקֶרִי) are central. This "walking contrary" signifies not merely accidental transgression, but a persistent, defiant attitude of opposition to God's covenant stipulations. It is a refusal to obey, a rebellion against divine authority.
Crucially, God's response to Israel's qᵉrîy is also described as qᵉrîy. If they walk contrary to Him, He declares that He will "walk contrary" to them with fierce wrath ([[Leviticus 26:24, 28]]). This highlights a profound principle of divine reciprocity and retributive justice within the covenant framework. God's judgments—famine, pestilence, war, and desolation—are presented as the direct, just consequence of Israel's defiant opposition to His will. The ultimate expression of this qᵉrîy from God is His turning away from them, allowing them to be consumed by their enemies and their land to lie desolate.
The climax of this usage occurs in [[Leviticus 26:40-41]], where the possibility of restoration is introduced. Israel's confession of their iniquity and "the iniquity of their fathers, in their treachery which they committed against me, and also in walking contrary to me" (בְּמַעֲלָם אֲשֶׁר מָעֲלוּ בִי וְאַף כִּי בְקֶרִי הָלְכוּ עִמִּי) is presented as the prerequisite for God remembering His covenant. This confession of qᵉrîy—their defiant opposition—is essential for breaking the cycle of judgment and re-establishing the relationship. Even the land itself, in its desolation, is said to "enjoy its Sabbaths" because of their qᵉrîy ([[Leviticus 26:43]]), linking the land's suffering directly to Israel's rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the root `{{H7136}}` (קָרָה, *qarah*), from which qᵉrîy is derived. While qarah can denote any kind of "meeting" or "happening," qᵉrîy specifically imbues that encounter with hostility or opposition. This distinction is vital: it's not just that things "happen" to Israel, but that their own "contrariness" provokes divine antagonism.
Conceptually, qᵉrîy stands in stark contrast to notions of covenant faithfulness, obedience, and `{{H7965}}` (שָׁלוֹם, *shalom*, peace/wholeness). It embodies the antithesis of a harmonious relationship with God. It is closely linked to:
* **Disobedience and Rebellion:** qᵉrîy is the defiant heart attitude that underpins covenant breaking.
* **Covenant Curses:** The term is embedded within the section detailing the severe consequences for violating God's covenant.
* **Divine Judgment:** God's response to qᵉrîy is a series of escalating judgments designed to bring about repentance or complete desolation.
* **Reciprocity:** The principle that God will treat His people as they treat Him, particularly in their posture towards His commands.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of qᵉrîy is profound, particularly within the Old Testament's covenant theology.
1. **God's Holiness and Justice:** The repeated use of qᵉrîy underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for exclusive obedience. He is not indifferent to rebellion. His "walking contrary" to Israel is not arbitrary vengeance but a just and righteous response to their persistent defiance. It affirms that God's character necessitates a response to sin.
2. **Seriousness of Covenant Disobedience:** qᵉrîy elevates disobedience from mere error to a defiant, confrontational stance against the Creator. It reveals that God perceives a rebellious heart, not just outward actions, as the root of covenant breaking. This attitude of "contrariness" is what provokes the severest divine judgments.
3. **Principle of Retribution:** The reciprocal nature of qᵉrîy ("if you walk contrary to me, I will walk contrary to you") illustrates a fundamental principle of divine governance: actions have consequences, and a people's posture towards God determines His posture towards them. This is a severe mercy, designed to bring the people to their senses.
4. **Necessity of Repentance:** The only way to break the cycle of qᵉrîy and its resulting judgments is through genuine confession and humility. The mention of confessing their qᵉrîy in [[Leviticus 26:40-41]] highlights that true repentance involves acknowledging one's defiant attitude towards God, not just specific sins. This paves the way for God's remembrance of His covenant and restoration.
5. **Foreshadowing of a New Covenant:** The recurring failure of Israel due to their qᵉrîy implicitly points to the need for a deeper transformation of the human heart. The Old Covenant, while revealing the problem of human rebellion, could not fundamentally change the inclination towards qᵉrîy. This sets the stage for the New Covenant promises, where God would put His law within His people and write it on their hearts, removing the "heart of stone" and giving a "heart of flesh" ([[Jeremiah 31:31-34]]; [[Ezekiel 36:26-27]]), thereby overcoming the very inclination to walk contrary to Him.
### Summary
H7147 (קְרִי, *qᵉrîy*) is a potent Hebrew term found exclusively in Leviticus 26, signifying a deep-seated, defiant opposition or "contrariness" towards God. It describes Israel's rebellious posture in persistently violating the covenant, leading to God's just and reciprocal response of "walking contrary" to them through severe judgments. The term underscores the holiness of God, the gravity of covenant disobedience stemming from a rebellious heart, and the principle of divine retribution. Ultimately, qᵉrîy highlights the critical importance of humble confession and repentance as the sole pathway for Israel to break the cycle of judgment and be restored to a right relationship with their Creator, foreshadowing the need for a transformed heart that no longer walks in such defiance.
TRV