כְּרַז (ke.raz)
ke.raz
to proclaim
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The verb keraz in Hebrew means to make a public proclamation or herald an announcement. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Daniel 5:29 during the dramatic fall of Babylon.
In this context, King Belshazzar orders that a purple robe and gold chain be placed on Daniel, and that he be proclaimed third ruler in the kingdom. The word carries the weight of an official decree, marking a sudden shift in status and authority within the royal court.
Its rarity in Scripture highlights its specific function: announcing a formal change or honor. Translators often render it as "proclaimed" to capture the public and authoritative nature of the declaration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word keraz, meaning to proclaim or herald, appears only once in the Old Testament. In Daniel 5:29, it describes the official announcement made by King Belshazzar regarding Daniel’s new status as third ruler in Babylon. This was not a private compliment but a public declaration of honor and authority, marking a sudden shift in Daniel’s position within the royal court.
For believers today, this rare word reminds us that God often works through visible signs and public recognition, even in foreign lands. While we may not seek earthly titles or gold chains, the principle remains: God sees our faithfulness and can elevate us in ways we do not expect. His plans unfold with purpose, and He uses circumstances to highlight His glory.
This single occurrence invites us to trust that God’s timing is perfect. Whether we are noticed publicly or remain unseen, our worth comes from Him alone. We can rest in the knowledge that He knows our hearts and will act according to His wisdom and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they made proclamation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַכְרִ֣זֽוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:29
Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
This verse uniquely uses keraz to describe a royal decree that publicly elevates Daniel, showing how God can shift human authority according to His sovereign will.