The Hebrew word qᵉrîyʼâh, represented by H7150, is defined as a proclamation; preaching. This specific noun appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. It is derived from the root word קָרָא (qârâʼ), which means to call or proclaim, establishing its meaning as a declared message.
The single appearance of H7150 is found in a moment of direct divine command. God instructs the prophet Jonah, "Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee" Jonah 3:2. In this context, the preaching is not a message of Jonah's own creation, but a specific proclamation delivered on God's behalf. The term is framed by a sequence of commands to arise H6965, go H3212, and preach H7121, highlighting that the preaching is the ultimate purpose of a divine mission.
Several related words from its sole context illuminate the meaning of H7150:
- H7121 qârâʼ (preach): As the root of qᵉrîyʼâh, this verb means to call out, proclaim, or publish. It is used to describe the act of proclaiming liberty Isaiah 61:1 and the identity of being called by God's name Jeremiah 15:16.
- H6965 qûwm (to rise): This verb signals the start of an action or mission. It is the first command given to Jonah Jonah 3:2 and is also used to call for action in a divine context, such as God's command to "Arise, contend thou before the mountains" Micah 6:1.
- H3212 yâlak (to walk): This word denotes the physical journey required to deliver the proclamation. It also carries a figurative meaning of a life of obedience, such as to "walk humbly with thy God" Micah 6:8.
- H1696 dâbar (to speak): This term specifies the origin of the message. The preaching is what God has spoken, or bid. The certainty of God's spoken word is a recurring theme, as what He has spoken H1696, He will also make good H6965 Numbers 23:19.
The theological significance of H7150 is concentrated in its singular, powerful usage.
- Divine Authority: The preaching is presented not as human opinion but as a direct message from God. Its content is explicitly defined as that which God bids H1696 the prophet to speak Jonah 3:2, underscoring that the authority rests entirely with God.
- Mandated Proclamation: The term is embedded within a divine commission. The preaching is the goal of a mission that requires the messenger to first arise H6965 and go H3212. This establishes a pattern where delivering God's word is an act of obedient movement.
- Inescapable Word: The source of the proclamation is God's own speech H1696. Scripture affirms that what the Lord has spoken is final and will be accomplished Isaiah 25:8, giving the preaching an absolute and unavoidable weight.
In summary, while qᵉrîyʼâh H7150 appears only once, its context in Jonah 3:2 gives it immense theological weight. It represents far more than a simple sermon; it is a divinely-authored proclamation that a messenger is commanded to deliver. The word is inextricably linked to the authority of God's spoken word H1696 and the obedient action required to carry it out, illustrating that a true preaching originates from God and compels the messenger to rise and go.
TRV