כָּרָה (ka.rah)
ka.rah
hollow
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun kara refers to a hollowed-out space in the earth, most commonly understood as a cistern or well. In the Hebrew Bible, it denotes a man-made reservoir for storing water, essential for survival in dry regions. The term emphasizes the physical act of digging out the ground to create a container for resources.
Its usage is quite rare, appearing only once in Scripture at Zephaniah 2:6. There, it describes the future state of coastal cities, which will become places where shepherds rest and their flocks lie down. The image suggests that these former urban centers will revert to wild, open spaces filled with such dug-out water holes.
Translators sometimes render this word as "cave" or "water meadow," reflecting the broader sense of any hollow place suitable for shelter or grazing. However, the primary focus remains on the excavated nature of the site, highlighting how human engineering shapes the landscape for practical needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word karah describes a hollowed-out space, specifically a cistern or well dug into the earth. In ancient Israel, these structures were vital for survival, capturing rainwater during scarce seasons. This physical act of digging reflects human effort to secure resources in a dry land.
In Zephaniah 2:6, this term paints a picture of transformation. Once-bustling coastal cities will become quiet pastures where shepherds rest their flocks near these old water holes. The image suggests that even places once defined by human power and density can return to simplicity and peace.
This reminds us that our lives often involve seasons of digging for stability, yet God’s purposes can lead us toward unexpected rest. Whether we are in a time of intense activity or quiet waiting, the same Creator who provides water also provides shelter. We can trust that He shapes our circumstances for our ultimate good and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- meadows of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּרֹ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
Zephaniah 2:6
The sea coast will be pastures, with cottages for shepherds and folds for flocks.
This verse uses the word to describe how former urban centers will become pastoral resting places, highlighting a shift from human density to divine provision.