הַכָּרָה (hak.ka.rah)
hak.ka.rah
look
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun hakkarah refers to a person’s look, appearance, or facial expression. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes the visible countenance that reveals an inner state. The word focuses on what is seen on the face, serving as a window into a person’s thoughts or emotions.
This term appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 3:9. There, it describes the boldness of Jerusalem’s people. Their "look" or expression openly declares their sin. They do not hide their actions behind shame or modesty. Instead, their very faces show defiance. This usage highlights how outward appearance can reflect inner moral condition.
Translators often render hakkarah as "look," "expression," or "appearance." The context determines which English word fits best. In Isaiah 3:9, the sense is closer to a defiant gaze than a neutral physical feature. The word connects external visibility with internal reality, showing that what we display on our faces matters.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word hakkarah points to the look on a person’s face, revealing what is happening inside. In Isaiah 3:9, it describes a bold expression that openly declares sin rather than hiding it. This shows how our outward appearance can reflect our inner moral state.
For your faith, this reminds us that God sees beyond the surface. He knows the heart behind every glance and gesture. It invites you to examine whether your own expressions align with truth and humility. Let your face reflect the peace of knowing you are fully known by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] expression of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַכָּרַ֤ת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 3:9
The look of their faces testify against them. They parade their sin like Sodom. They don’t hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought disaster upon themselves.
The word hakkarah here describes a defiant gaze that openly testifies against the people, showing their unashamed sin.