from קָרָא; called, i.e. select; famous, renowned.
Transliteration:qârîyʼ
Pronunciation:kaw-ree'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קָרִיא (qârîyʼ), Strong's H7148, is derived from the verbal root קָרָא (qaraʼ), Strong's `{{H7121}}`, which fundamentally means "to call, to proclaim, to summon, to name." As a passive participle, קָרִיא (qârîyʼ) signifies "one who is called" or "the called."
Its semantic range extends to encompass several related nuances:
1. **Called/Chosen/Selected:** This is the most direct meaning, indicating someone who has been designated or set apart.
2. **Famous/Renowned/Distinguished:** This secondary meaning arises from the idea of being "called out" or "named" prominently within a community, implying a recognized and often esteemed status. It suggests a person whose name is widely known or whose position is highly regarded.
Therefore, קָרִיא (qârîyʼ) describes individuals who possess a notable or recognized standing, having been "called" or "designated" for a particular role or status, often implying a degree of public acclaim or prominence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קָרִיא (qârîyʼ) appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically in two closely related contexts concerning the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram:
* **[[Numbers 16:2]]**: Here, the word is used to describe the 250 leaders who joined Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The full phrase is "נְשִׂיאֵי עֵדָה קְרִיאֵי מוֹעֵד אַנְשֵׁי שֵׁם" (nᵉsîʼê ʻēdâ qᵉrîʼê môʻēd ʼanšê šēm), translated as "leaders of the congregation, called of the assembly, men of renown." This verse highlights their significant status: they were not ordinary individuals but prominent figures, "called" or "designated" from within the assembly (perhaps for leadership or counsel roles), and indeed "men of renown" (אַנְשֵׁי שֵׁם, a common idiom for famous or influential people). Their high standing makes their rebellion all the more striking and dangerous.
* **[[Numbers 26:9]]**: This verse, occurring in the census after the wilderness wanderings, reiterates the fate of those involved in Korah's rebellion. It states, "Dathan and Abiram, these are the ones called of the congregation (קְרִיאֵי עֵדָה), who contended against Moses and Aaron in the company of Korah." This reconfirms their identity as "called" or "designated" members of the community, emphasizing their recognized position even in the recounting of their sin.
In both instances, קָרִיא (qârîyʼ) describes individuals who held positions of influence and recognition within the Israelite community. The context, however, is deeply negative, as these "called" and "renowned" individuals used their status to challenge divinely appointed authority, leading to their swift and severe judgment. This usage imbues the word with a tragic irony, as their "calling" or "renown" ultimately led to their destruction due to their rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which קָרִיא (qârîyʼ) is derived:
* **`{{H7121}}` (qaraʼ):** This is the foundational verb, meaning "to call, to cry out, to summon, to name, to proclaim." Its wide semantic range includes:
* **Divine Calling:** God "calling" individuals (e.g., Abraham, Moses) or a nation (Israel).
* **Human Naming:** The act of giving a name to a person, place, or thing.
* **Proclamation/Summons:** To call an assembly, to proclaim a fast, or to summon someone.
* The passive form of this root naturally leads to "one who is called."
Other related concepts and words include:
* **`{{H8034}}` (shem):** Meaning "name," but often extended to signify "reputation," "fame," or "renown." The phrase "אַנְשֵׁי שֵׁם" ("men of renown") in [[Numbers 16:2]] is directly parallel to "קְרִיאֵי מוֹעֵד" ("called of the assembly"), indicating a close conceptual link between being "called out" and having a significant "name" or reputation.
* **Concepts of Election/Chosenness:** While קָרִיא (qârîyʼ) is not typically used for God's election of Israel (which uses terms like בָּחַר, bāḥar, `{{H977}}`), the idea of being "called" or "selected" resonates with the broader biblical theme of divine choice and appointment. However, in the case of H7148, the "calling" seems to be more about human recognition or a designated role within the community, distinct from a direct divine election for salvation or special covenantal status.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קָרִיא (qârîyʼ) is primarily derived from its specific and limited usage in the narrative of Korah's rebellion. It serves as a profound cautionary tale, highlighting several critical theological points:
1. **The Peril of Human Renown:** The fact that "men of renown" and "called of the congregation" were at the forefront of rebellion underscores that human status, popularity, or perceived importance does not confer immunity from sin or error. Indeed, such prominence can become a source of pride and a catalyst for challenging legitimate authority, whether human or divine.
2. **Distinction Between Human and Divine Calling:** The term implies a "calling" or "selection" by the community, perhaps for leadership or influence. This stands in stark contrast to the divine calling and appointment of Moses and Aaron. The rebellion illustrates the danger of confusing humanly conferred status with divinely ordained authority. Those "called" by the congregation sought to usurp the authority of those "called" by God, leading to catastrophic consequences.
3. **Humility in Leadership:** The narrative implicitly teaches that even those with significant standing must exercise humility and submit to God's established order. The "called" and "renowned" leaders of Korah's faction failed in this, demonstrating that true spiritual authority comes from God's appointment and a humble heart, not from human acclaim or self-assertion.
4. **Judgment on Rebellion:** The severe judgment meted out to Korah and his company, including these "called" men, serves as a powerful testament to God's intolerance for rebellion against His appointed leadership and divine order. Their "renown" did not spare them from divine wrath.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קָרִיא (qârîyʼ), Strong's H7148, derived from the root `{{H7121}}` ("to call"), signifies "one who is called," "selected," or "renowned." Its limited biblical usage is confined to the book of Numbers, specifically describing the prominent leaders who joined Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron ([[Numbers 16:2]], [[Numbers 26:9]]). These individuals were "called of the assembly" and "men of renown," indicating their significant status and influence within the Israelite community. Theologically, the term serves as a potent warning: it highlights that human eminence, popularity, or a recognized "calling" within a community does not equate to divine approval or immunity from judgment. Rather, it underscores the peril of pride and rebellion against divinely appointed authority, demonstrating that even those with high status are accountable to God's established order and will face severe consequences for defiance. The narrative of Korah's rebellion, featuring these "called" men, powerfully distinguishes between humanly conferred status and divinely ordained authority, emphasizing the necessity of humility and submission to God's will.
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