קֵא (qe)
qe
vomit
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qe refers to vomit or what has been vomited up. It appears in only four verses, primarily within Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Proverbs. The word carries a strong sense of disgust and rejection, describing something expelled from the body as waste.
Its most vivid usage occurs in Proverbs 26:11, where it describes a dog returning to its vomit. This image illustrates the folly of repeating sinful behavior after having rejected it. The comparison suggests that such an action is not just wrong but repulsive, reducing the person to a state worse than before.
Translators typically render this word as "vomit" or "what is vomited up." It serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual rejection and moral failure. The brevity of its occurrence in Scripture underscores the seriousness with which such behavior is viewed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This Hebrew word describes something expelled from the body as waste, carrying a heavy sense of disgust and rejection. In Scripture, it is used to illustrate the folly of returning to sinful behavior after having rejected it. The image is vivid and unsettling, reminding us that spiritual regression is not just a mistake but a repulsive state.
When we see this word in Proverbs 26:11, it warns against the danger of repeating past sins. It challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure we are moving forward in faith, rather than stumbling back into old patterns. This honest look at our struggles helps us appreciate the grace that keeps us from falling again.
May this reminder encourage you to hold fast to what is good and true. Let it inspire a deeper commitment to growth and integrity, trusting in God's strength to keep you steady on your path.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- vomit1×
- own vomit/ its1×
- in/ vomit/ its1×
- in/ vomit/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֵא֑/וֹ1×
- קִ֣יא1×
- בְּ/קִיאֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- בְּ/קִיא֔/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 26:11
As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.
This verse uses the word to illustrate the repulsive nature of a fool who repeats his folly, warning against spiritual regression.
-
Isaiah 19:14
Yahweh has mixed a spirit of perverseness in the middle of her; and they have caused Egypt to go astray in all of its works, like a drunken man staggers in his vomit.
Here the term describes Egypt's confusion, comparing their guidance to a drunken man staggering in his own waste.
-
Isaiah 28:8
For all tables are completely full of filthy vomit and filthiness.
The prophet uses this word to depict the complete moral corruption and filth present among the leaders of Ephraim.