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קְרִי (qe.ri)

qe.ri

hostility

H7147 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 7 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
7 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun qeri describes a state of opposition or active hostility. It goes beyond simple disagreement to suggest a forceful encounter where two wills clash. The word appears seven times in the Bible, with the majority of instances found in Leviticus.

In these texts, qeri often characterizes divine judgment against Israel’s disobedience. For example, Leviticus 26:21 and 26:24 speak of God sending "contrary" events or plagues when the people refuse to listen. The term captures the idea of an adversarial force acting in response to human rebellion.

Its root relates to coming together or meeting, but in this context, it implies a hostile meeting rather than a peaceful one. Translators typically render it as "hostility," "opposition," or "contrary" depending on the sentence structure. This usage highlights the serious consequences of breaking covenant relationship with God.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word qeri describes a state where opposition becomes active force. It is not merely disagreement but a clash of wills that brings tangible consequences. In Leviticus, this term highlights how persistent rebellion invites divine judgment rather than casual correction.

When people refuse to listen, God’s response shifts from patience to contrary action. This does not mean God abandons His love but enforces the covenant boundaries He established. The severity of qeri reminds us that sin has real weight and disrupts our relationship with Him.

Yet even in judgment, there is a path back. Leviticus 26:40 shows that confession and humility can restore fellowship. This word invites reflection on how we treat God’s commands and the importance of repentance when we stray.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • in/ contrariness4×
  • contrariness3×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • בְּ/קֶֽרִי\׃2×
  • קֶֽרִי\׃1×
  • קֶ֔רִי1×
  • קֶ֑רִי1×
  • בְּ/קֶ֔רִי1×
  • בְּ/קֶ֑רִי1×

Key Verses

  • Leviticus 26:21
    “‘If you walk contrary to me, and won’t listen to me, then I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to your sins.

    This verse introduces qeri as the consequence for refusing to listen, showing that hostility begins with divine response to disobedience.

  • Leviticus 26:24
    then I will also walk contrary to you; and I will strike you, even I, seven times for your sins.

    Here God declares He will walk contrary to the people, emphasizing that persistent rebellion triggers reciprocal judgment.

  • Leviticus 26:28
    then I will walk contrary to you in wrath. I will also chastise you seven times for your sins.

    The phrase 'in wrath' intensifies qeri, revealing that divine hostility is not arbitrary but a measured response to covenant breaking.

  • Leviticus 26:40
    “‘If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, in their trespass which they trespassed against me; and also that because they walked contrary to me,

    This verse connects qeri with the possibility of restoration through confession, showing that judgment is not the final word.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word qeri mean?

Qeri means active hostility or opposition, often describing a clash of wills that leads to consequences. It appears in contexts where rebellion against God triggers divine judgment.

How is qeri different from other words for sin?

While other terms describe the act of sinning, qeri focuses on the resulting state of opposition and its tangible effects. It highlights the relational break between God and His people.

Where does qeri appear in the Bible?

It occurs seven times, primarily in Leviticus 26, where it describes God’s response to Israel’s disobedience. Each instance ties back to covenant faithfulness or failure.

Can qeri lead to restoration?

Yes, Leviticus 26:40 shows that confession and humility can reverse the effects of qeri. God’s judgment is not final but invites repentance and renewed relationship.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)

Leviticus 7 verses
Leviticus 26:21

“‘If you walk contrary to me, and won’t listen to me, then I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to…

Leviticus 26:23

“‘If by these things you won’t be turned back to me, but will walk contrary to me,

Leviticus 26:24

then I will also walk contrary to you; and I will strike you, even I, seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:27

“‘If you in spite of this won’t listen to me, but walk contrary to me,

Leviticus 26:28

then I will walk contrary to you in wrath. I will also chastise you seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:40

“‘If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, in their trespass which they trespassed against me;…

Leviticus 26:41

I also walked contrary to them, and brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised heart is…