כִּרְכָּרָה (kar.ka.rah)
kar.ka.rah
dromedary
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun kar·ka·rah refers specifically to a dromedary, the one-humped camel known for its speed and endurance. This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 66:20. In that passage, it describes the animals used by nations to bring offerings to Jerusalem, highlighting their role as swift transporters of tribute.
Its unique occurrence underscores the global scope of worship envisioned in this final chapter of Isaiah. The dromedary’s presence signals that even distant peoples will participate in honoring God, using their best resources and fastest beasts to fulfill their devotion. This single verse captures a vision of universal reconciliation and reverence.
The word itself carries no broader semantic range beyond identifying this specific animal. Its rarity makes it a distinctive marker in the text, drawing attention to the extraordinary nature of the scene described. Translators consistently render it as "dromedary" or "camel," preserving the clarity of the original imagery.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Isaiah 66:20 paints a striking picture of global worship, where nations bring offerings to Jerusalem on swift dromedaries. This rare Hebrew word highlights the speed and endurance of these animals, symbolizing how people from every corner of the earth will come to honor God. It reminds us that our faith is not confined to one place or group but reaches across all boundaries.
For your daily life, this image encourages you to see your own resources as part of a larger story. Just as these beasts carried tribute to the holy mountain, your talents and time can be offered in service to others. It is a gentle reminder that every act of kindness contributes to a greater purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ on <the>/ camels1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בַ/כִּרְכָּר֗וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 66:20
They shall bring all your brothers out of all the nations for an offering to Yahweh, on horses, in chariots, in litters, on mules, and on camels, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says Yahweh, as the children of Israel bring their offering in a clean vessel into Yahweh’s house.
This verse uniquely pairs the dromedary with other transport methods to show diverse nations bringing offerings to God.