קְרָא (qe.ra)
qe.ra
to read
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qara primarily means to call out or read aloud. In the Old Testament, it bridges the gap between vocal proclamation and the act of reading text. This dual sense reflects an ancient context where public reading was a spoken performance, making the distinction between "reading" and "proclaiming" less rigid than in modern English.
With only nine occurrences, the word appears most frequently in Daniel and Ezra. In these books, it often describes the public reading of the Law or royal decrees. For instance, Ezra reads the scroll to the assembled people, an act that is both a literal recitation of words and a powerful announcement of God’s commands.
Its root suggests a loud, clear voice intended for an audience. The word implies that what is read is meant to be heard and understood by many, not just silently processed by one. This highlights the communal nature of Scripture in Israel’s worship, where text was brought to life through speech.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In our digital age, reading is often a silent, private act. We scroll through screens alone, processing information at our own pace. But this Hebrew word reminds us that Scripture was originally meant to be heard aloud in community. When Ezra stood before the people, he did not just decode symbols; he proclaimed God’s commands with clarity and force. The text came alive through his voice, bridging the gap between ancient ink and living ears.
This distinction invites us to consider how we engage with the Bible today. While personal study has its place, there is a unique power in hearing the Word spoken. It transforms abstract ideas into shared reality. When we read Scripture aloud, whether in church or at home, we participate in that same ancient tradition of proclamation. The words are not just data to be stored but truth to be received.
Consider the scene in Daniel where the king’s wise men could not read the mysterious writing. Their failure highlights that reading is more than literacy; it requires spiritual insight. For us, this means we need God’s help to truly understand what we read. We do not face the text alone. As we listen and speak the Word, we join a long line of believers who have found life in its proclamation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ read aloud2×
- it was read aloud2×
- they will read aloud1×
- let him be summoned1×
- he will read aloud1×
- [was] proclaiming1×
- [was] calling1×
- I will read aloud1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָרֵ֤א1×
- קָרֵ֣א1×
- קֱרִ֧י1×
- קֱרִ֖י1×
- לְ/מִקְרֵ֗א1×
- לְ/מִקְרֵ֔א1×
- יִתְקְרֵ֖י1×
- יִקְרֵ֞ה1×
- יִקְר֔וֹן1×
- אֶקְרֵ֣א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:18
The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.
This verse shows the word used for official documents being read aloud to authorities, highlighting how public records were verified through vocal recitation.
-
Daniel 5:8
Then all the king’s wise men came in; but they could not read the writing, and couldn’t make known to the king the interpretation.
Here the word describes the inability of Babylon’s experts to decipher the divine message, emphasizing that true reading requires God-given interpretation.
-
Daniel 5:17
Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
Daniel uses this verb to promise he will not only read the text but explain its meaning, linking the act of reading directly to spiritual revelation.