כַּרְכֹּב (kar.kov)
kar.kov
ledge
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kar kov refers to the edge or rim of an object, appearing only twice in the Old Testament. In both instances, it describes the border of the bronze altar in the tabernacle. This specific usage highlights its function as a boundary marker, defining where the sacred surface ended and the surrounding area began.
Its meaning is concrete and physical rather than abstract. It denotes the literal lip or ledge that contained offerings or prevented them from spilling over. Translators typically render it as "edge" or "rim," capturing its role in maintaining order and containment within the ritual space of worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kar kov describes the physical rim or ledge of an object, appearing only twice in Scripture to define the border of the bronze altar. In the tabernacle, this edge served a practical purpose: it kept sacrificial offerings contained and prevented them from spilling over into the surrounding area. This simple detail reminds us that God cares about order and safety in how we approach Him.
For your faith life, this imagery suggests that boundaries are not restrictions but protections. Just as the ledge guided the worshiper’s actions, God’s commands provide a safe structure for our devotion. We do not need to fear stepping outside what is holy because His design includes clear, helpful limits that keep us secure in our relationship with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ledge/ its1×
- [the] ledge of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּרְכֻּבּ֛/וֹ1×
- כַּרְכֹּ֥ב1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 27:5
You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.
This verse establishes the ledge as a boundary marker where the altar’s sacred surface ends and the net begins, ensuring orderly worship.
-
Exodus 38:4
He made for the altar a grating of a network of bronze, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up.
Here the ledge is described in the context of construction, showing how the bronze rim physically supported the net and maintained the altar’s integrity.