קָרָה (qa.rah)
qa.rah
to meet; to lay beams
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qarah carries two distinct meanings that seem unrelated at first glance: to encounter or happen by chance, and to construct a building with beams. In its primary sense as a Qal verb, it describes an unexpected meeting or event. This usage appears in Genesis 30:14, where Reuben finds mandrakes in the field, and in Numbers 9:6, when men feel unclean and wonder how they might encounter the Lord’s presence.
The second meaning arises in the Piel stem, referring specifically to laying beams or framing a structure. This technical sense is prominent in Nehemiah 3, where builders are described as qarah-ing the beams of Jerusalem’s walls. The connection likely stems from the idea of "meeting" materials together to form a solid framework.
Translators handle these senses differently based on context. When describing events, words like "happen" or "befall" capture the element of surprise. In architectural contexts, "frame" or "lay beams" conveys the physical action. This duality shows how Hebrew can link abstract experiences with concrete construction through shared linguistic roots.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qarah carries a quiet duality that bridges the gap between our daily lives and the stability of faith. In its most common sense, it describes an event that happens by chance or an unexpected meeting. This reminds us that life is full of moments we did not plan—whether it is a sudden encounter with God’s provision or an unforeseen difficulty. These occurrences are not random accidents but part of a larger story where God meets us in the ordinary flow of time.
Yet this same word also describes the deliberate act of laying beams to frame a structure. Just as builders carefully place timber to create a solid wall, our lives are built upon certain foundational events and relationships. When we look back at the 'chance' meetings that shaped us, we often see how God was framing our character, providing support where we needed it most.
This connection invites us to trust in both the unpredictable moments and the steady construction of our spiritual lives. We do not need to fear the unknown events that come our way, nor do we need to doubt the careful work being done in our hearts. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that the same God who orchestrates history is also laying the beams of grace for our future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they made beams for/ it2×
- it had happened to/ him2×
- and/ he met2×
- ¿/ will it happen to/ you1×
- to/ make beams for1×
- they will happen1×
- the/ [things which] had happened to1×
- the/ [one who] makes beams for1×
- make happen1×
- it will happen to/ you1×
- it will happen to/ me1×
- it will happen to1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָרָ֑/הוּ2×
- קֵר֔וּ/הוּ2×
- יִקְרֶ֥ה2×
- תִּקְרֶ֑ינָה1×
- קָֽרְ/ךָ֜1×
- נִקְרָ֣ה1×
- נִקְרֵ֙יתִי֙1×
- לְ֠/קָרוֹת1×
- יִקָּרֵ֤ה1×
- יִקְּרֵ֥/ךְ1×
- יִקְרָ֥ה1×
- יִקְרֵ֔/נִי1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:12
He said, “Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, please give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
Abraham’s servant uses this word to describe his hope that God will meet him with success in a specific, critical moment.
-
Ruth 2:3
She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.
The text highlights how Ruth’s arrival at Boaz’s field was not merely accidental but a providential meeting that changed her destiny.
-
Numbers 23:4
God met Balaam, and he said to him, “I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.”
Here the word signifies a direct encounter where God meets Balaam to deliver a specific message, showing divine initiative.
-
Nehemiah 3:3
The sons of Hassenaah built the fish gate. They laid its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
In this architectural context, the word describes the physical act of laying beams, illustrating the careful construction of Jerusalem’s walls.
-
Ecclesiastes 9:11
I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
The Preacher uses this term to describe how time and chance happen to all people, acknowledging the unpredictability of human effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word qarah mean?
Why does one word mean both meeting and building?
Where is qarah used in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 4 verses
He said, “Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, please give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
Genesis 27:20Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He said, “Because Yahweh your God gave me…
Genesis 42:29They came to Jacob their father, to the land of Canaan, and told him all that had happened to them, saying,
Genesis 44:29If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.’