קׇרְחִי (qor.chi)
qor.chi
Korahite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term qorchi is a gentilic adjective meaning "Korahite," identifying a descendant of Korah, a prominent figure in the tribe of Levi. It functions primarily as a family designation rather than a personal name, linking individuals to the lineage established by Korah, the son of Izhar and grandson of Kohath.
Scripture uses this label most frequently in the historical books, particularly within 1 Chronicles and Numbers, where it distinguishes these Levites from other clan groups. The texts highlight their role as temple musicians and gatekeepers, a vocation that began with their ancestor’s family before the rebellion described in Numbers 16.
While Korah himself is remembered for his challenge to Moses’ authority, the term qorchi preserves the identity of his surviving descendants who remained faithful. By appearing in psalm titles like those in Psalm 88 and 89, the word connects later worshipers to this specific Levitical heritage, showing how family lines continued to serve in Israel’s religious life long after the wilderness generation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qorchi identifies a descendant of Korah, a Levite whose family line became central to Israel’s worship. Though the ancestor Korah is known for rebellion, his surviving descendants were entrusted with guarding the temple gates and leading music in praise. This shift shows how God can redeem a family’s legacy, turning a history of pride into a life of faithful service.
For believers today, this term reminds us that our spiritual inheritance matters. The Korahites did not earn their role but received it as a duty to serve Yahweh’s presence. When we engage in worship or ministry, we join a long chain of believers who have stood guard over God’s holiness and lifted voices in thanksgiving.
Seeing these descendants honored in the Psalms encourages us that our service, however humble, is seen by God. Whether keeping order in the temple or singing in a choir today, we participate in the same spirit of devotion that defined the Korahites.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Korahite[s]3×
- the/ Korahites2×
- the/ Korahite1×
- of the/ Korahites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/קָּרְחִ֑י2×
- לַ/קָּרְחִ֕ים1×
- הַ/קָּרְחִֽי\׃1×
- הַ/קָּרְחִ֗ים1×
- הַ/קָּרְחִ֖י1×
- הַ/קָּרְחִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 9:19
Shallum was the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers, of his father’s house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent. Their fathers had been over Yahweh’s camp, keepers of the entry.
This verse establishes the Korahites as official gatekeepers of the tent, showing their specific role in protecting and managing access to God's dwelling place.
-
II Chronicles 20:19
The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceedingly loud voice.
Here the Korahites stand with Kohathites to lead loud praise during a national crisis, highlighting their vital function in corporate worship and spiritual warfare.
-
Exodus 6:24
The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites.
This early genealogy lists the sons of Korah, grounding the family’s identity in the tribe of Levi before their later temple duties are fully described.