from an unused root meaning to split off; a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of aship; bench, board.
Transliteration:qeresh
Pronunciation:keh'-resh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7175}}`, *qeresh* (קֶרֶשׁ), derives from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to split off." This etymological root directly informs its primary semantic range, which encompasses a piece of wood that has been split or cut from a larger source. Thus, *qeresh* fundamentally denotes a "slab," "plank," or "board." By extension and implication, particularly in its application, it can also refer to a "deck" (as of a ship) or a "bench," which are constructed from such planks. The core meaning emphasizes a prepared, flat piece of timber, ready for structural or functional use.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7175}}` appears predominantly in two distinct biblical contexts, revealing its varied applications.
Its most significant and frequent occurrences are found in the book of Exodus, specifically in the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. Here, *qeresh* refers to the "boards" that formed the walls of the sacred dwelling. For instance, in [[Exodus 26:15-25]] and [[Exodus 36:20-30]], the text meticulously describes these boards as being made of acacia wood, standing upright, and fitted with tenons that inserted into silver sockets. They were further stabilized by connecting bars. The precision in their dimensions (e.g., [[Exodus 26:16]] specifies ten cubits long and one and a half cubits wide) underscores their critical role in forming the structural integrity and sacred enclosure of the Tabernacle. These boards were not merely decorative but essential load-bearing elements, designed for both stability and portability.
A second, distinct usage of *qeresh* appears in [[Ezekiel 27:6]], within the lament over the maritime city of Tyre. In this passage, *qeresh* is used to describe the "benches" or "decks" of a ship, specifically stating, "Of oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the deck (or benches) of fir (cypress) from the coasts of Kittim have they made for thee." Here, the term refers to the internal wooden structures of a vessel, serving as seating or part of the ship's internal flooring. This context highlights the secular and commercial application of cut timber, contrasting sharply with its sacred use in the Tabernacle.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of `{{H7175}}` is enriched by considering its relationship to other Hebrew terms pertaining to wood, construction, and structures.
* `{{H6086}}` (*'ets*): This is the most general term for "tree" or "wood." While *qeresh* specifies a prepared piece of wood, *'ets* refers to the raw material.
* `{{H7136}}` (*qorah*): Often translated as "beam" or "rafter," *qorah* denotes a larger, more substantial piece of timber used for structural support, such as roof beams. While both *qeresh* and *qorah* are wooden elements, *qeresh* typically implies a flatter, plank-like form.
* `{{H5210}}` (*negar*): Another term for a "plank" or "beam," though less common than *qeresh* in key structural contexts.
* Concepts associated with *qeresh* include craftsmanship, divine blueprint, sacred architecture, portability (in the Tabernacle context), and maritime engineering (in the Ezekiel context). The precise dimensions and materials specified for the Tabernacle boards connect *qeresh* to themes of divine command and human obedience in construction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *qeresh* is primarily derived from its central role in the construction of the Tabernacle.
1. **Divine Precision and Order:** The meticulous instructions for the *qeresh* in Exodus underscore God's demand for precision and order in worship and in the building of His dwelling place. Every board, its material, dimensions, and placement, was divinely ordained, symbolizing the perfect order and holiness of God Himself. This speaks to the principle that worship and service to God are not arbitrary but are to be conducted according to His revealed will.
2. **Holiness and Separation:** The boards formed the physical barrier separating the sacred space of the Tabernacle from the profane world. They were integral to establishing the boundaries of God's presence among His people, emphasizing the concept of set-apartness and the awe due to a holy God.
3. **Portability of God's Presence:** The design of the Tabernacle, utilizing individual boards fitted into sockets, allowed for its disassembly and reassembly. This portability of the *qeresh* boards symbolized God's willingness to journey with His people through the wilderness, signifying His immanent presence and covenant faithfulness, even amidst their transient existence.
4. **Contrast of Purpose:** The use of *qeresh* for the Tabernacle (sacred, divinely ordained) versus the ship of Tyre (secular, humanly constructed for commerce and pride) highlights a theological tension. The same material object can be employed for vastly different purposes, one leading to worship and divine communion, the other to worldly ambition and eventual judgment. This contrast subtly points to the importance of purpose and intent in human endeavors.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7175}}`, *qeresh*, fundamentally denotes a "slab" or "plank" of wood, derived from a root meaning "to split off." Its most prominent biblical usage is in the book of Exodus, where it refers to the precisely specified "boards" of acacia wood that formed the walls of the Tabernacle, symbolizing divine precision, holiness, and the portable presence of God among His people. In contrast, [[Ezekiel 27:6]] employs *qeresh* to describe the "decks" or "benches" of a Tyrian ship, illustrating its application in secular, commercial contexts. The study of *qeresh* thus reveals not only an important material component in ancient construction but also serves as a tangible element through which profound theological truths about divine order, sacred space, God's immanence, and the distinction between sacred and secular purposes are conveyed.
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