קְרֵב (qe.rev)
qe.rev
to approach
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qerev means to come close or approach. It appears seven times in the Old Testament, with a notable concentration in the books of Daniel and Ezra. In its basic form, it describes the physical act of drawing near to someone or something, establishing proximity.
When used in the Pael stem, the meaning shifts slightly toward ritual action. The sources indicate this form is often associated with offering sacrifices or presenting oneself before God. For example, in Ezra and Daniel, priests and leaders are described as approaching to perform sacred duties, highlighting a movement from distance into the presence of the divine.
This word captures more than just physical movement; it implies intent. Whether coming near for judgment or for worship, qerev marks a transition from separation to encounter. Translators typically render it as "approach" or "come near," preserving the sense of deliberate movement toward a specific destination or person.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qerev describes the deliberate act of drawing near. It is not a passive drifting but a purposeful movement toward someone or something specific. In the Old Testament, this verb often marks a significant transition from a state of distance to one of encounter. Whether it involves approaching God for worship or stepping into a difficult situation, the word emphasizes intention and readiness.
For your faith, this reminds us that relationship requires presence. When Daniel approached an angel to understand a vision, he did not stay in his confusion but moved toward clarity. Similarly, when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were called out of the fire, they stepped into the king’s presence with courage. God invites us to close the gap between our current state and His promises through faithful steps.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you come near. The act of approaching itself is an expression of trust. As you navigate seasons of uncertainty or spiritual hunger, remember that drawing near to God is always met with attention. He waits for your honest presence, ready to meet you where you are.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they brought near/ him1×
- they approached1×
- so/ you may offer1×
- offering1×
- he approached1×
- and/ they offered1×
- I approached1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִרְבֵ֗ת1×
- קְרֵ֣ב1×
- קְרִ֖בוּ1×
- מְהַקְרְבִ֛ין1×
- וּ/תְקָרֵ֣ב1×
- וְ/הַקְרִ֗בוּ1×
- הַקְרְבֽוּ/הִי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:16
I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. “So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
This verse shows the word used when Daniel actively seeks understanding by approaching a heavenly being, highlighting that seeking truth requires intentional movement toward divine revelation.
-
Daniel 3:26
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace. He spoke and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the middle of the fire.
Here Nebuchadnezzar comes near to the furnace, demonstrating that even a hostile ruler must approach the scene of miracle to witness and acknowledge God's power.
-
Daniel 7:13
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.
The 'one like a son of man' is brought near before the Ancient of Days, using this verb to describe the ultimate divine encounter where humanity is presented directly to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word qerev mean?
How is qerev different from other words for 'coming near'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 3 verses
that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his…
Ezra 6:17They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a…
Ezra 7:17Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their…