the same as קַרְקַע; ground-floor; Karka (with the article prefix), a place in Palestine; Karkaa.
Transliteration:Qarqaʻ
Pronunciation:kar-kah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7173}}` (קַרְקַע, *Qarqaʻ*) primarily denotes the "ground-floor" or the lowest interior part of a building. This suggests a foundational or base element of a structure. The definition also extends its semantic range to function as a proper noun, "Karkaa," a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. The note "the same as קַרְקַע" within the Strong's definition indicates that the lemma itself embodies these meanings directly, without being a derivative of another root, emphasizing its singular, yet dual, application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7173}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, reflecting its dual semantic range:
1. **As "ground-floor":** In [[Leviticus 14:40]], the word is used in the context of the purification laws concerning a house afflicted with a leprous mildew. The instruction is to "scrape the house within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off outside the city into an unclean place." Here, קַרְקַע refers to the lowest interior parts, often translated as "walls" or "interior," but specifically implying the foundational or ground-level surfaces. The thorough scraping of these fundamental parts underscores the comprehensive nature of the required cleansing, indicating that defilement can permeate even the most basic elements of a dwelling.
2. **As "Karkaa":** In [[Joshua 15:3]], `{{H7173}}` functions as a proper noun, "Karkaa," a geographical marker. It is mentioned as part of the detailed description of the southern boundary of the tribe of Judah. The verse states, "and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up on the south side to Kadesh-barnea, and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karkaa." This precise geographical reference highlights the meticulous detail with which the tribal inheritances were delineated, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The dual nature of `{{H7173}}` allows for connections to several related concepts:
* **For "ground-floor":**
* **Foundations:** Terms like `{{H3247}}` (יָסַד, *yasad*, "to lay a foundation") and `{{H4146}}` (מוּסָדָה, *musadah*, "foundation") resonate with the idea of the lowest, supporting part of a structure.
* **Earth/Ground:** Words such as `{{H776}}` (אֶרֶץ, *erets*, "earth" or "land") and `{{H127}}` (אֲדָמָה, *adamah*, "ground" or "soil") relate to the literal surface upon which a "ground-floor" rests.
* **House/Dwelling:** `{{H1004}}` (בַּיִת, *bayit*, "house" or "dwelling") provides the broader architectural context for the "ground-floor."
* **For "Karkaa" (place name):**
* **Borders/Boundaries:** Concepts related to territorial demarcation, such as those found in other descriptions of tribal borders (e.g., in Joshua 15-19), are directly relevant. The specific mention of Karkaa contributes to the overall biblical geography of the Promised Land.
* **Inheritance:** The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, a central theme in the book of Joshua, is intrinsically linked to such geographical markers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7173}}` is drawn from its two distinct applications:
1. **In the context of purity (Leviticus 14):** The command to scrape the "ground-floor" (קַרְקַע) of a house afflicted by mildew carries profound theological weight. It signifies that defilement is not superficial but can penetrate to the very core and foundation of one's dwelling, symbolizing a deep-seated spiritual impurity. The thoroughness of the cleansing ritual, reaching to the lowest and most basic elements of the house, underscores the necessity of a comprehensive and radical purification from sin. This teaches that true spiritual cleansing must address the deepest roots of defilement, not merely its outward manifestations. It speaks to God's demand for holiness that permeates every aspect of life.
2. **As a geographical marker (Joshua 15):** The inclusion of "Karkaa" as a precise point on Judah's southern border highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His covenant promises. The land, promised to Abraham and his descendants, was not merely given in broad strokes but was meticulously divided and delineated. This precision underscores the faithfulness and sovereignty of God in His dealings with His people. Every boundary marker, including Karkaa, serves as a tangible witness to God's providential care and His commitment to establishing His people in the land He had prepared for them, ensuring their inheritance down to the very last detail.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H7173}}` (קַרְקַע, *Qarqaʻ*) encompasses both the literal "ground-floor" of a structure and the proper name "Karkaa," a specific location in ancient Palestine. In [[Leviticus 14:40]], its use as "ground-floor" emphasizes the necessity of thorough and deep cleansing in the face of defilement, symbolizing the comprehensive spiritual purification God requires. In [[Joshua 15:3]], "Karkaa" serves as a precise geographical marker, underscoring God's meticulous faithfulness and sovereignty in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land inheritance for the tribe of Judah. Though appearing rarely, the word thus points to both the practicalities of ancient life and the profound theological truths of divine purity and providential precision.
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