### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qarqôr**, represented by `{{H7174}}`, identifies **Karkor, a place East of the Jordan**. Derived from a root meaning **foundation**, the term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text, marking it as a specific and singular location in the scriptural narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7174}}` is in [[Judges 8:10]], where it is identified as the location of the Midianite kings Zebah `{{H2078}}` and Zalmunna `{{H6759}}`. They were in **Karkor** with their remaining **hosts** `{{H4264}}`, numbering about fifteen thousand men. This was all that were **left** `{{H3498}}` after a devastating battle in which one hundred and twenty thousand men that **drew** `{{H8025}}` the **sword** `{{H2719}}` had **fallen** `{{H5307}}`. The location thus serves as the setting for the final encampment of a defeated army.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help define the scene at Karkor:
* `{{H2078}}` **Zebach** (Zebah): Defined as **sacrifice; Zebach, a Midianitish prince**, he was one of the two kings Gideon pursued to Karkor [[Judges 8:5]].
* `{{H6759}}` **Tsalmunnâʻ** (Zalmunna): Meaning **shade has been denied; Tsalmunna, a Midianite**, he was the other Midianite king found at Karkor and is consistently mentioned alongside Zebah [[Judges 8:12]].
* `{{H4264}}` **machăneh** (camp): This word describes **an encampment... or an army**. In this context, it refers to the remaining forces of Zebah and Zalmunna gathered at Karkor [[Judges 8:10]].
* `{{H3498}}` **yâthar** (left): Meaning **to remain or be left**, this word emphasizes that the army at Karkor was a remnant of a much larger force. The concept of a remnant being **left** is also seen in prophecies concerning Israel [[Isaiah 1:9]].
### Theological Significance
While only a place name, the context surrounding `{{H7174}}` gives it narrative significance:
* **A Site of Final Defeat:** Karkor is the location where the remnant of the Midianite **hosts** `{{H4264}}` gathered after a catastrophic loss. It is the final setting before their kings, Zebah `{{H2078}}` and Zalmunna `{{H6759}}`, were captured and ultimately slain, marking the complete overthrow of Israel's enemies ([[Judges 8:12]], [[Judges 8:21]]).
* **The Remnant Judged:** The fifteen thousand men at Karkor were all that were **left** `{{H3498}}` of a vast army from the **east** `{{H6924}}` [[Judges 8:10]]. While the concept of a remnant often signifies hope for Israel [[Isaiah 1:9]], here it underscores the totality of the enemy's destruction.
* **Consequences of the Sword:** The massive army of one hundred and twenty thousand men that **fell** `{{H5307}}` had been those who **drew** `{{H8025}}` the **sword** `{{H2719}}` [[Judges 8:10]]. Karkor is the backdrop against which the fate of this defeated, sword-wielding force is sealed.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7174}}` **Qarqôr** is a geographical marker whose importance is defined entirely by its single appearance in scripture. It is not a theological concept in itself but the stage for a critical event: the final stand of the defeated Midianite army. As the place where Zebah and Zalmunna were found with their remaining forces, Karkor memorializes the culmination of Gideon's victory and the divine judgment executed upon the enemies of Israel.
TRV