### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קַרְקַע (qarqaʻ, `{{H7172}}`) denotes primarily a "floor" or "bottom." Its etymological root is קָרַע (qaraʻ, `{{H7167}}`), meaning "to tear, rend, or break apart." This derivation suggests a surface that is formed by joining or laying down separate pieces, akin to a pavement made of tesserae or planks. The semantic range extends from the constructed "floor" of a building, often implying a finished, paved surface, to the natural "bottom" of a body of water, specifically the sea. The term captures the lowest, foundational surface or deepest point of a given space.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qarqaʻ appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, offering distinct contextual insights:
* **1 Kings 6:15-16**: Here, qarqaʻ refers to the wooden floor of Solomon's Temple. [[1 Kings 6:15]] states, "He built the walls of the house on the inside with boards of cedar; from the floor of the house to the joists of the ceiling, he covered the inner walls with wood." [[1 Kings 6:16]] further specifies, "He built twenty cubits on the rear part of the house with boards of cedar from the floor to the joists; he built it inside as a sanctuary, the Most Holy Place." In this context, qarqaʻ describes the meticulously crafted and significant foundation upon which the sacred activities of the Temple were conducted, emphasizing the detailed architecture of God's dwelling place.
* **1 Kings 7:3**: This verse describes the construction of Solomon's palace, specifically the "Hall of Pillars." [[1 Kings 7:3]] reads, "It was covered with cedar from the floor above the forty-five beams, fifteen in each row." Similar to the Temple, this usage highlights the architectural component of a royal structure, denoting the base or floor level from which the building's height is measured.
* **Amos 9:3**: The most striking usage of qarqaʻ occurs in the prophetic book of Amos, where it refers to the "bottom of the sea." [[Amos 9:3]] declares, "Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, I will search them out and take them from there; and though they hide themselves from My sight at the bottom of the sea, from there I will command the serpent and it will bite them." In this powerful passage of judgment, qarqaʻ signifies the deepest, most hidden, and seemingly inaccessible place on earth. It serves to underscore the absolute omnipresence and inescapable sovereignty of God, from whom no one can hide.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological connection to קָרַע (qaraʻ, `{{H7167}}`, "to tear, rend") implies a surface formed by distinct, perhaps fitted, components. This distinguishes qarqaʻ from more general terms for "ground" or "earth" such as אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, `{{H776}}`).
Related terms for "floor" or "pavement" include:
* רָצַף (rātsaph, `{{H7523}}`), often translated "pavement," as seen in [[Esther 1:6]].
* מַצֶּבֶת (matssebet, `{{H4676}}`), can refer to a "pillar" or "standing stone," but in some contexts, implies a paved area.
For the "bottom of the sea," related concepts or terms might include:
* מְצוּלָה (mĕtsûlāh, `{{H4688}}`), meaning "depths" or "deep," often referring to the depths of the sea or a pit, as in [[Jonah 2:3]].
* תַּחְתִּית (taḥtît, `{{H8480}}`), meaning "lowest" or "nethermost," which describes the lowest part of something.
The contrast between the constructed floor of a building and the natural bottom of the sea highlights the term's versatility in describing the lowest plane or foundation, whether artificial or natural.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of qarqaʻ is twofold, reflecting its dual usage:
1. **Sacred Foundation and Divine Presence:** In the context of the Temple and palace (1 Kings), qarqaʻ represents the meticulously crafted floor, a foundational element of sacred and royal architecture. The Temple floor, in particular, speaks to the stability and order of God's dwelling place among His people. It is the solid ground upon which worship, sacrifice, and divine-human interaction occur, underscoring the holiness and careful preparation required for God's presence.
2. **Omnipresence and Inescapable Sovereignty of God:** The use of qarqaʻ in Amos 9:3, referring to the "bottom of the sea," carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the absolute reach of God's presence and judgment. No place, however remote, deep, or hidden, can provide refuge from the Lord's gaze or His righteous retribution. This passage affirms God's total sovereignty over creation, demonstrating that His power extends to the uttermost depths, ensuring that justice will be meted out. It reinforces the biblical truth that "where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" [[Psalm 139:7]].
### Summary
The Hebrew word קַרְקַע (qarqaʻ, `{{H7172}}`) denotes a "floor" or "bottom," drawing its etymological meaning from the concept of a surface composed of distinct pieces. In the books of Kings, qarqaʻ describes the carefully constructed floors of Solomon's Temple and palace, signifying the foundational elements of sacred and royal architecture and the meticulousness associated with divine dwelling. In the prophetic book of Amos, the term dramatically refers to the "bottom of the sea," serving as a profound theological statement on God's inescapable omnipresence and absolute sovereignty. Together, these usages highlight qarqaʻ as a term that speaks to both the foundational aspects of human construction, particularly in sacred contexts, and the ultimate, inescapable reach of divine power and justice throughout all creation.
TRV