### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7159}}` (qâram) is identified as a primitive root, conveying the fundamental action of "to cover." Lexical analysis suggests a semantic range that includes "to form a skin over," "to become covered with a skin or crust," or more generally, "to overlay." This implies an action of forming a surface or integument, whether for protection, concealment, or simply as a natural process of formation. The primitive nature of the root suggests a basic, foundational act of covering or forming a layer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H7159}}` (qâram) presents a unique case in biblical Hebrew, as its sole purported occurrence is found as a textual variant, rather than within the standard Masoretic Text (MT). The reference point is [[Exodus 21:10]], which in the MT reads: "If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish (`{{H1639}}` yigraʿ)."
Some ancient versions or textual traditions, however, may have preserved a reading of יִקְרֹם (yiqrom) from `{{H7159}}` instead of יִגְרַע (yigraʿ) from `{{H1639}}`. If `{{H7159}}` were indeed the original reading, the meaning would be "he shall not cause her to be covered (with a skin/crust)" or "he shall not cause her to form a covering." This interpretation, however, struggles to fit the immediate context of a man's obligations to his first wife concerning her sustenance (שְׁאֵרָהּ), clothing (כְּסוּתָהּ, from `{{H3682}}`), and conjugal rights (וְעֹנָתָהּ). The sense of "diminish" (`{{H1639}}`) aligns far more coherently with the legal and ethical framework of the passage, which outlines the preservation of the first wife's rights. Therefore, while `{{H7159}}` provides a fascinating glimpse into potential textual variations, it is not present in the received Hebrew Bible and holds no direct contextual significance within it.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the extremely rare and textually uncertain nature of `{{H7159}}` (qâram), direct linguistic parallels within the biblical corpus are tenuous. However, the general concept of "covering" is rich and diverse in biblical Hebrew, expressed through various other roots and derivatives. For instance, `{{H3680}}` (kāsāh), "to cover," is a very common verb, from which nouns like `{{H3682}}` (kĕsûth), "covering, clothing," are derived, as seen in the very verse [[Exodus 21:10]] itself. Other words conveying the idea of covering or overlaying include `{{H4374}}` (mikhseh), "covering," and `{{H6805}}` (tsāpâ), "to overlay," often used in the context of tabernacle construction. While these words share the broad semantic domain of "covering," they do not necessarily illuminate the specific nuance of `{{H7159}}` as "to form a skin or crust," a meaning which remains largely theoretical within biblical Hebrew.
### Theological Significance
Due to its status as a textual variant rather than an attested word in the standard Hebrew Bible, `{{H7159}}` (qâram) carries virtually no direct theological significance. Unlike roots that appear frequently and contribute to core biblical doctrines (e.g., creation, redemption, holiness), `{{H7159}}` does not participate in the development of any theological concept or narrative within the canonical text. Its study is primarily a matter of linguistic curiosity and textual criticism, highlighting the painstaking process by which the biblical text was transmitted and preserved. It serves as a reminder of the precision and care involved in the Masoretic tradition which, in this instance, opted for `{{H1639}}` (gāraʿ) as the authoritative reading in [[Exodus 21:10]], a choice that profoundly impacts the verse's meaning and theological implications regarding justice and marital rights.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H7159}}` (qâram) is defined as a primitive root meaning "to cover" or "to form a skin/crust." Its presence in the Hebrew Bible is confined to a textual variant in [[Exodus 21:10]], where the standard Masoretic Text reads `{{H1639}}` (gāraʿ), "to diminish." Consequently, `{{H7159}}` does not contribute to the direct semantic or theological landscape of the biblical narrative. Its primary value lies in illustrating the complexities of biblical textual criticism and the meticulous work of ancient scribes. For the purpose of biblical interpretation, `{{H7159}}` remains a theoretical linguistic construct rather than an active participant in the sacred text.
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