from קָרָה in the sense of flooring, i.e.; building; a city; city.
Transliteration:qiryâh
Pronunciation:kir-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H7151}}` (qiryâh) denotes a "city" or "town." Its etymology is particularly insightful, deriving from the root `{{H7122}}` (qârâh), which fundamentally means "to meet" or "to happen." However, the specific sense adopted for `{{H7151}}` is "in the sense of flooring, i.e., building." This suggests a connection to the construction of a roof or the laying of beams (`{{H7136}}` qôrâh, "beam, rafter"), thereby emphasizing the *built* and *established* nature of a city. Unlike a temporary encampment or an open field, a `{{H7151}}` is a place of permanent human habitation, characterized by its constructed elements—walls, houses, and infrastructure. While often interchangeable with the more common Hebrew word for city, `{{H5892}}` (‘îr), `{{H7151}}` may carry a nuance that highlights the physical structure and permanence, or it may appear in more poetic or elevated contexts. Its semantic range is largely singular, consistently referring to an urban center.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7151}}` appears in various biblical books, offering diverse contextual insights into its usage. In historical narratives, it often refers to fortified places or centers of population. For instance, in [[Deuteronomy 2:36]], Moses recounts Israel's conquest, stating, "There was not a city too strong for us." Here, `{{H7151}}` emphasizes the formidable, well-defended nature of the Canaanite settlements. Similarly, in [[1 Kings 1:41]], during the anointing of Solomon, "the city was in an uproar," referring to Jerusalem, a bustling and significant urban center.
In wisdom literature, `{{H7151}}` can represent the collective community or the sphere of human civilization. [[Proverbs 11:11]] states, "By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown." This proverb highlights the moral character of individuals as foundational to the well-being or demise of an entire urban society. The contrast between human habitation and the wild is seen in [[Job 39:7]], which describes the wild donkey: "He scorns the tumult of the city; he hears no shouts of the driver."
Prophetic texts frequently employ `{{H7151}}` to depict both judgment and restoration. [[Isaiah 25:2]] powerfully illustrates divine judgment: "For you have made a city a heap, a fortified city a ruin." Here, `{{H7151}}` underscores the complete devastation of once-mighty human constructions under God's hand. Conversely, the prophetic vision of a restored Jerusalem, though often using `{{H5892}}`, implicitly includes the concept of a divinely established `{{H7151}}` as a place of peace and righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root `{{H7122}}` (qârâh), which, as noted, forms the basis for `{{H7151}}`. While its more common meaning is "to meet" or "to happen," the specific derivative sense of "building" or "flooring" is crucial for understanding `{{H7151}}`. This connection is further reinforced by `{{H7136}}` (qôrâh), meaning "beam" or "rafter," directly linking to architectural construction.
Other Hebrew words for "city" or related settlements include:
* `{{H5892}}` (‘îr): The most prevalent and general term for "city" or "town." `{{H7151}}` is often used in parallel or interchangeably with `{{H5892}}`, suggesting a degree of synonymy, though `{{H7151}}` might sometimes carry a more poetic or archaic flavor.
* `{{H2691}}` (châtser): Refers to an "enclosure," "courtyard," or "unwalled village," representing a smaller, less fortified settlement than a `{{H7151}}`.
* `{{H4013}}` (migdâl): A "tower," often a defensive structure within or near a city.
* `{{H4692}}` (mibtâr): A "fortress" or "stronghold," emphasizing defensive strength.
The concept of "city" in the Bible is intrinsically linked to themes of human civilization, community, governance, and defense. It represents the pinnacle of human organization and construction, often standing in contrast to the wilderness or nomadic life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7151}}` extends beyond its literal meaning, touching upon profound biblical themes. Cities in the Bible are frequently depicted as centers of human achievement, culture, and power, but also as focal points for sin, idolatry, and rebellion against God. The story of Babel ([[Genesis 11:1-9]]), though not using `{{H7151}}`, sets a precedent for the city as a symbol of human hubris and a challenge to divine sovereignty. Cities like Sodom and Gomorrah ([[Genesis 19]]) exemplify the extreme moral corruption that can permeate urban centers, leading to divine judgment.
However, cities are not solely portrayed negatively. Jerusalem, often referred to as "the holy city" (`{{H5892}}` is common here, but the concept applies), becomes the chosen dwelling place of God's presence, the site of the Temple, and the spiritual capital of Israel. It represents the potential for a city to be a locus of righteousness, worship, and divine blessing.
The tension between human-built cities and God's divine plan culminates in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem (`{{G2419}}` Hierousalem) in Revelation. This ultimate city, not built by human hands but "coming down out of heaven from God" ([[Revelation 21:2]]), represents the perfect, redeemed community where God dwells eternally with His people. While `{{H7151}}` is a Hebrew term, the theological trajectory from earthly cities to the heavenly city is a continuous thread, highlighting God's ultimate intention to establish a perfect, holy dwelling place for His people. Thus, `{{H7151}}` serves as a reminder of both human capacity for constructing earthly kingdoms and the divine prerogative in establishing the eternal Kingdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7151}}` (qiryâh) fundamentally denotes a "city" or "town," emphasizing its constructed and established nature, stemming from a root associated with "building" or "flooring." While often synonymous with the more common `{{H5892}}` (‘îr), `{{H7151}}` may carry a nuance of permanence or appear in more poetic contexts. Its usage in scripture ranges from describing fortified strongholds in conquest narratives to representing the collective human community in wisdom literature, and serving as a subject of divine judgment or restoration in prophetic utterances. Theologically, `{{H7151}}` embodies the dual nature of human civilization: a place of both potential rebellion and divine blessing. Ultimately, it contributes to the broader biblical narrative of cities as centers of human life, subject to divine oversight, and pointing towards the ultimate, divinely established city of God.
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