קַוְקָו (qav-qav)
qav-qav
might
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 qav-qav is a rare term appearing only twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 40:15 and 49:26). Its meaning is straightforward but emphatic: it denotes "might," "power," or "strength." Unlike words that describe military might specifically, this term refers to general capacity or force.
Because it occurs so infrequently, its usage relies heavily on context. In Isaiah 40:15, the prophet uses it to illustrate God’s incomparable power by comparing the mountains and hills to a mere drop from a bucket. Here, qav-qav emphasizes that even significant earthly forces are negligible against divine strength. Similarly, in Isaiah 49:26, it appears in a promise that oppressors will be defeated, reinforcing the idea that human power cannot withstand God’s intervention.
Its rarity makes it stand out when it does appear. The word serves as a literary device to highlight the contrast between finite human strength and infinite divine authority. Translators typically render it as "might" or "strength," capturing the sense of substantial force without implying physical size alone. This concise term underscores a central theme in Isaiah: that true power belongs to God, not to earthly kingdoms or rulers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qav-qav appears only twice in Scripture, both within the book of Isaiah. It translates simply as "might" or "strength," yet its rarity gives it weight. When you encounter this term, you are reading a deliberate contrast between human capability and divine power.
In these verses, the prophet reminds us that earthly forces—even those described as awesome or mighty—are negligible compared to God. This is not just about military strength but any capacity humans claim. It invites you to rest in the fact that true authority belongs to God alone, offering peace when worldly powers seem overwhelming.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strength of2×
- strength2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָ֣ו2×
- קַו\־2×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 18:2
that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, “Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!”
This verse describes a powerful nation with "awesome" strength, setting the stage for the contrast that human might is insignificant before God.
-
Isaiah 18:7
In that time, a present will be brought to Yahweh of Armies from a people tall and smooth, even from a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Yahweh of Armies, Mount Zion.
Here, even the strongest nations bring tribute to Zion, demonstrating that their power ultimately submits to Yahweh's name and authority.