קַו (qav)
qav
cord; line
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qav refers to a cord or line used for measurement. In the Old Testament, it appears thirteen times, primarily in poetic and prophetic books like Isaiah, Zechariah, and Lamentations. The word describes a physical tool, such as a plumb line or measuring rope, employed to determine boundaries or assess the dimensions of structures.
Its usage often carries a sense of judgment or standard. For instance, in Isaiah 34:11, qav is paired with the stone of emptiness to describe how desolation will be measured out over Edom. Similarly, Zechariah 2:1-2 features a man holding a measuring line to survey Jerusalem, symbolizing God’s intent to restore and define the city’s future. The term implies precision, indicating that what is being measured is subject to divine assessment or order.
Some scholars note that in certain contexts, particularly within Isaiah, the word may function as an onomatopoeic mimicry of prophetic speech, though its core meaning remains tied to the physical act of measuring. Translators typically render it as "line" or "measuring line," preserving the concrete imagery of a tool used to establish limits or evaluate reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qav describes a simple cord used for measuring boundaries or dimensions. In ancient times, this tool was essential for builders and surveyors to ensure structures were straight and lands were fairly divided. When Scripture mentions this line, it often points to God’s precise care in ordering the world. He establishes limits that protect us and define our place within His creation.
For your faith, this imagery brings comfort. It reminds you that your life is not random or chaotic. Just as a builder uses a cord to guide their work, God measures out seasons of grace and judgment with exactness. In Isaiah 28:17, the text declares that righteousness serves as His measuring line, showing that moral truth is the standard by which He guides His people.
This concrete image helps us trust in His order. Whether you are navigating personal boundaries or seeking stability in uncertain times, remember that God’s standards are firm and reliable. You can rest in the knowledge that He holds the cord of your life with purpose and intention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ [the] line4×
- line4×
- and/ a measuring-line3×
- a measuring-line3×
- by the/ measuring-line1×
- a measuring-line of1×
- [the] measuring-line of1×
- [the] line of1×
- <into>/ a measuring-line1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קַ֣ו2×
- וְ/קָו֙2×
- קָּֽו\׃1×
- קָו֒1×
- קָ֤ו1×
- קָ֣ו1×
- קָ֔ו1×
- קַֽו\־1×
- קַ֥ו1×
- קַ֤ו1×
- לָ/קָו֙1×
- לָ/קָ֖ו1×
Key Verses
-
Job 38:5
Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it?
God uses this question to highlight His absolute sovereignty over creation, asking who set the boundaries of the earth.
-
Isaiah 28:17
I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line. The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place.
This verse metaphorically replaces the physical tool with righteousness and justice, defining God's moral standard for judgment.
-
Zechariah 1:16
Therefore Yahweh says: “I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy. My house shall be built in it,” says Yahweh of Armies, “and a line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.”’
The stretching of the line over Jerusalem signals God’s intention to restore the city and rebuild His temple with mercy.
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II Kings 21:13
I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plumb line of Ahab’s house; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.
Here the line represents a standard of judgment, indicating that God will measure Jerusalem against the wickedness of Ahab's house.