כָּרַת (ka.rat)
ka.rat
to cut: cut
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 227 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kârat carries the fundamental meaning of cutting, whether that involves severing a branch, hewing timber, or slicing flesh. Its usage ranges from the physical act of chopping down trees in Isaiah 14:8 to the precise removal of body parts, such as the foreskin in Exodus 4:25 or the head of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:51. This concrete imagery of division establishes a powerful metaphor for finality and separation.
The most significant theological development of this word is its use in the phrase "cut a covenant." In ancient Near Eastern culture, making a binding agreement often involved cutting animals in two and passing between the pieces, as seen in Genesis 15:18. By using kârat for this ritual, the text emphasizes that a covenant is a serious, life-binding contract where breaking it invites destruction.
This dual nature of creation and judgment defines the word’s range. When applied to people, being "cut off" (often in the Niphal stem) signifies exclusion from the community or loss of life, as warned in Leviticus 17:4. The verb thus bridges the physical act of cutting with the spiritual reality of being severed from a relationship, whether that is a divine promise or communal belonging.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kârat carries the weight of a sharp blade, describing the physical act of cutting wood or flesh. Yet its most profound use appears in the phrase 'to cut a covenant.' In ancient times, this ritual involved dividing animals and passing between the pieces, signifying that the agreement was binding as life itself. When God speaks of making a covenant with Abraham or Israel, He is not offering a casual promise but establishing a sacred bond that defines His relationship with His people.
This imagery reminds us that our connection to God is serious and enduring. Just as the ancient ritual marked a permanent separation from previous alliances, entering into God’s covenant means our lives are now intertwined with His purposes. It is a commitment rooted in grace, where God pledges faithfulness even when human loyalty falters. We can find comfort in knowing that this divine bond is secure, anchored in His character rather than our own perfection.
While the word also carries warnings about being 'cut off' for disobedience, the overarching narrative of Scripture points toward restoration. Through Christ, believers are brought into a new covenant that offers peace and inclusion. This reality invites us to live with gratitude, recognizing that we are held by a promise that no sword can sever.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 227 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will be cut off19×
- and/ I will cut off16×
- and/ it will be cut off15×
- and/ he made13×
- he made9×
- I made7×
- to/ cut off6×
- and/ he will be cut off6×
- they will be cut off5×
- and/ he cut off5×
- and/ they will be cut off4×
- and/ he cut down4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/נִכְרְתָ֛ה11×
- וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֤י5×
- יִכָּרֵ֨ת4×
- וַ/יִּכְרֹ֨ת4×
- וְ/הִכְרַתִּ֥י4×
- כָּרַ֥ת3×
- כָּרַ֤ת3×
- כָּרַ֖תִּי3×
- כָּרַ֖ת3×
- יִכָּרֵ֧ת3×
- יִכָּרֵ֤ת3×
- יִכָּרֵ֣ת3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:18
In that day Yahweh made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I have given this land to your offspring, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:
This verse records Yahweh formally establishing a covenant with Abram, using the verb to mark a definitive, life-binding agreement regarding land and descendants.
-
Exodus 24:8
Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Look, this is the blood of the covenant, which Yahweh has made with you concerning all these words.”
Moses sprinkles blood to seal the covenant, explicitly calling it the 'blood of the covenant,' which underscores the solemnity and cost of the agreement between God and Israel.
-
Genesis 17:14
The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people. He has broken my covenant.”
This passage illustrates the severe consequence of breaking the covenant, stating that an uncircumcised soul shall be 'cut off' from his people for violating this sacred sign.
-
Genesis 9:11
I will establish my covenant with you: All flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood. There will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.”
God promises that no flesh will be 'cut off' again by floodwaters, using the negative form to emphasize the permanence and safety of His new covenant with all creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'cut a covenant' mean?
Why are people described as being 'cut off'?
How is kârat different from other words for making promises?
Every Occurrence (227 verses across 30 books)
Genesis 8 verses
I will establish my covenant with you: All flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood. There will…
Genesis 15:18In that day Yahweh made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I have given this land to your offspring, from the river of…
Genesis 17:14The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people.…
Genesis 21:27Abraham took sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech. Those two made a covenant.
Genesis 21:32So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into…
Genesis 26:28They said, “We saw plainly that Yahweh was with you. We said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and…
Genesis 31:44Now come, let’s make a covenant, you and I. Let it be for a witness between me and you.”
Genesis 41:36The food will be to supply the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; so that the…