קָרֹב (qa.rov)
qa.rov
near
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 56 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective qarov describes something that is near, whether in physical distance, time, or personal relationship. It appears fifty-six times in the Old Testament, frequently in Isaiah and Jeremiah, to indicate proximity. When applied to space, it marks immediate vicinity, such as when Lot asks to flee to a small city nearby in Genesis 19:20. In temporal contexts, it signals that an event is imminent, as when prophets warn that judgment is "at hand" (Isaiah 13:6).
Beyond geography and chronology, qarov carries significant relational weight. It defines kinship and social closeness, referring to neighbors or relatives who are obligated to support one another (Ruth 2:20). Theologically, it describes God’s accessibility; Psalm 34:18 declares that the Lord is near to those with broken hearts. This usage transforms a spatial concept into a statement of intimate presence and aid.
The word’s versatility allows it to bridge the gap between the physical and the spiritual. Translators often render it as "near," "next," or "nigh" depending on context, but the underlying sense remains consistent: something is within reach. This proximity implies that help, judgment, or relationship is not distant or abstract, but immediately available and actionable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qarov reminds us that God is not distant or abstract. It describes something within immediate reach, whether in space, time, or relationship. When Scripture says the Lord is near, it means His presence and help are available right now. This is a comforting truth for anyone feeling isolated or overwhelmed by circumstances.
Psalm 34:18 declares that the Lord is close to those with broken hearts. This proximity transforms our fear into trust. We do not need to search far for aid because it is already at hand. The word bridges the gap between our human struggle and divine support, offering a tangible sense of safety.
This concept also shapes how we treat others. Being near implies responsibility and care for those around us. It invites us to see neighbors as relatives deserving of kindness. In this way, qarov connects our faith with practical love, reminding us that spiritual closeness often looks like physical presence and support.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 56 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] near17×
- near11×
- <the>/ near10×
- [are] near2×
- neighbor/ his1×
- kinsmen/ his1×
- kinsman/ his1×
- kindred/ my1×
- in/ midst/ my1×
- from/ near1×
- and/ to <the>/ near [person]1×
- and/ the/ [ones] close1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָר֥וֹב7×
- קָרוֹב֙6×
- קָר֖וֹב4×
- קָר֤וֹב3×
- קָרֽוֹב\׃2×
- קָר֣וֹב2×
- קְרוֹבָֽה\׃2×
- הַ/קָּרֹ֥ב2×
- קָר֑וֹב1×
- קָ֝ר֗וֹב1×
- קְרוֹבָ֤ה1×
- קְרוֹבָ֑/י1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 4:7
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to them as Yahweh our God is whenever we call on him?
It highlights the unique privilege of Israel, contrasting their near God with distant deities of other nations.
-
Genesis 19:20
See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my soul will live.”
Lot uses the term to describe the physical proximity of a safe city, showing its basic meaning of immediate vicinity.
-
Ruth 2:20
Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by Yahweh, who has not abandoned his kindness to the living and to the dead.” Naomi said to her, “The man is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen.”
Naomi identifies Boaz as a near kinsman, illustrating the word's role in defining social obligation and family support.
-
Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what Yahweh spoke of, saying, ‘I will show myself holy to those who come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” Aaron held his peace.
Moses quotes God saying He will be shown holy to those who come near, linking proximity with reverence and holiness.