### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma קַרְקֹר (Qarqôr, `{{H7174}}`) is a proper noun, a place name, derived from the root קוּר (qûr). The root קוּר signifies "to bore," "to dig," or "to found," implying a sense of depth or establishment. Thus, the underlying meaning of קַרְקֹר is "foundation" or "base." While its etymological root points to a concrete concept of building or digging, its biblical usage is exclusively as a geographical designation. This indicates a specialization from its foundational meaning to identify a specific location, possibly one characterized by its terrain, a significant digging operation, or a place considered a "foundation" or stronghold for a group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קַרְקֹר (Qarqôr) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Judges 8:10]]. This verse describes the culmination of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna: "Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and with them their army, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the people of the East; for a hundred and twenty thousand men who drew the sword had fallen."
In this context, Karkor is presented as the final encampment of the Midianite forces, a place where they felt secure after their initial defeat. Gideon's relentless pursuit took him eastward, beyond the Jordan River, to this distant location. The text emphasizes the completeness of Gideon's victory by detailing the large number of enemy soldiers who had already fallen and the remaining fifteen thousand who were then vanquished at Karkor. The strategic significance of Karkor is that it marks the furthest extent of the Midianite retreat and the ultimate site of their defeat, highlighting the thoroughness of Gideon's campaign under divine guidance. Its precise geographical location remains uncertain, but it is clearly in the Transjordanian region, likely in the desert fringes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root קוּר (qûr) connects קַרְקֹר to other Hebrew words related to "digging," "boring," and "founding." While קַרְקֹר itself is a place name, the concept of a "foundation" is often expressed by words like יְסוֹד (yesod, `{{H3248}}`), which can refer to the foundation of a building, the earth, or even principles. The narrative of Gideon's pursuit in Judges 8 also links Karkor to other Transjordanian locations such as Nobah and Jogbehah, providing a spatial context for the military campaign. The broader biblical theme of divine victory over numerically superior forces, often culminating at a specific geographical point, resonates with the event at Karkor.
### Theological Significance
Although קַרְקֹר (Qarqôr) is primarily a geographical marker, its singular appearance in the narrative of Gideon's triumph carries theological weight. Karkor represents the ultimate stronghold and last refuge of the Midianite oppressors. God's command to Gideon to pursue the enemy to this distant and seemingly secure location demonstrates the divine commitment to a complete and decisive deliverance for Israel. The victory at Karkor signifies that no enemy, no matter how entrenched or far removed, is beyond the reach of God's judgment and the power He bestows upon His chosen instruments. It underscores the thoroughness of divine salvation and the necessity of obedience and perseverance in God's work. The inherent meaning of "foundation" in the word's root might subtly imply that even the seemingly stable "foundations" of the ungodly can be utterly demolished by God's intervention.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קַרְקֹר (Qarqôr, `{{H7174}}`) denotes a "foundation" etymologically, but in its sole biblical appearance in [[Judges 8:10]], it functions as a proper noun, a specific place east of the Jordan. Karkor serves as the critical location where Gideon completed his divinely empowered campaign, utterly defeating the remaining Midianite forces and their kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. This distant site marks the culmination of God's comprehensive deliverance for Israel, illustrating that no enemy stronghold is beyond the reach of divine power and judgment when executed through obedient human agents. Karkor therefore stands as a silent witness to the thoroughness of God's victory and the completeness of His salvation.
TRV