from קֶרֶת; city; Kartah, a place in Palestine; Kartah.
Transliteration:Qartâh
Pronunciation:kar-taw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7177, *Qartâh* (קַרְתָּה), functions as a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its etymology traces directly to the Hebrew root `{{H7151}}`, *qereth* (קֶרֶת), which means "city" or "town." Thus, *Qartâh* inherently signifies a "city" or "town," specifically referring to a settlement named Kartah in ancient Palestine. Unlike its root, which describes a type of settlement, *Qartâh* identifies a particular, named urban center within the biblical landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Qartâh* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 21:34]]: "And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs."
This sole occurrence places Kartah within a crucial context: the detailed allocation of cities to the Levites following the conquest of Canaan. The passage in [[Joshua 21]] meticulously lists the Levitical cities, distributed among all the tribes of Israel, ensuring that the Levites—who received no tribal land inheritance—were provided for and strategically positioned throughout the land. Kartah is specifically designated for the Merarite branch of the Levites, located within the tribal territory of Zebulun. The phrase "with her suburbs" (מִגְרָשֶׁיהָ, *migrasheyha*) indicates the inclusion of surrounding pasture lands, essential for the Levites' livestock and overall sustenance, as stipulated in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Numbers 35:2-5]]). This designation underscores Kartah's role as a center for religious instruction, judicial counsel, and the maintenance of Mosaic traditions for the surrounding population.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to *Qartâh* is its etymological root:
* `{{H7151}}` *qereth* (קֶרֶת): "city," "town." This general term for a city forms the basis of the proper noun Kartah.
Other Hebrew words for "city" or "settlement" that share semantic overlap include:
* `{{H5892}}` *'iyr* (עִיר): The most common and general term for "city" or "town," often implying a fortified settlement.
* `{{H7010}}` *qiryah* (קִרְיָה): Another common term for "city," sometimes used in a more poetic or formal context.
* `{{H4004}}` *migdal* (מִגְדָּל): "tower," but can also refer to a fortified town or stronghold.
Beyond lexical connections, *Qartâh* is intrinsically linked to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Levitical Cities:** The broader concept of the 48 cities allotted to the Levites (e.g., [[Numbers 35]], [[Joshua 21]]), which served as centers of religious life, teaching, and justice.
* **Tribal Allotment:** The systematic division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel, a foundational act in the establishment of the Israelite nation.
* **Divine Provision:** God's faithful provision for His chosen people, including the Levites, through the detailed allocation of resources and dwelling places.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of Kartah, while seemingly minor, carries significant theological weight within the broader biblical narrative:
* **Divine Order and Providence:** The inclusion of Kartah in the meticulously detailed list of Levitical cities in Joshua demonstrates God's precise and orderly providence. It underscores His active involvement in the establishment of His people in the Promised Land, ensuring that every detail, down to the specific cities for His ministers, was divinely ordained.
* **Accessibility of Torah and Worship:** The distribution of Levitical cities like Kartah throughout Israel ensured that the Levites, who were responsible for teaching the Law and administering justice, were accessible to all tribes. This arrangement facilitated the widespread understanding and adherence to God's commandments, promoting a unified religious and ethical life across the nation. Kartah, therefore, represents a localized hub for the spiritual nourishment of the people of Zebulun.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant:** The detailed land allocation, including the designation of cities like Kartah, is a tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the possession of the land of Canaan. It testifies to God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition.
* **Historicity of the Narrative:** The specific naming of places like Kartah, even those mentioned only once, grounds the biblical account in historical and geographical reality. It suggests an authentic record of the land's division and the early settlement of Israel, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the biblical text.
### Summary
*Qartâh* (H7177) is a proper noun, a city name derived from the Hebrew word for "city" (`{{H7151}}`). It appears uniquely in [[Joshua 21:34]], where it is listed as one of the cities allotted to the Merarite Levites within the territory of the tribe of Zebulun, complete with its essential "suburbs." This designation highlights God's meticulous provision for the Levites and His divine ordering of the Israelite nation, ensuring the widespread availability of religious instruction and the administration of justice. The inclusion of Kartah in the biblical record underscores the historicity of the land's division and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people.
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