קָרִיא (qa.ri)
qa.ri
chosen
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective qari means "chosen" or "summoned." It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in Numbers. In these rare instances, it describes individuals set apart for a specific role by divine authority.
Its root verb qara usually means to call out or name. When used as an adjective here, it shifts from the act of calling to the status of being called. The word emphasizes selection rather than general invitation. It marks someone as distinct because they have been summoned for a purpose.
This term highlights how leadership in Israel was not self-appointed but designated by God. The sources note its use in Numbers 16:5, where Moses speaks to Korah and his followers. The context shows that being qari is about divine assignment, not human ambition. The word carries weight because it links identity directly to God's command.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qari reminds us that true standing comes from being called by God, not from human status or reputation. In Numbers, it describes leaders who were summoned for a specific divine purpose. This shifts our focus from what we achieve to whom we belong.
When we feel unsure about our role, this term offers comfort. We are not defined by our own ambitions but by the One who summons us. Our identity is secure in His choice, not in the approval of others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- called of1×
- [the] [people] called of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְרִיאֵ֣י1×
- קְרִאֵ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 16:2
They rose up before Moses, with some of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown.
This verse highlights how human prestige can coexist with a divine calling, showing that being 'called' does not automatically guarantee right standing before God.
-
Numbers 26:9
The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram who were called by the congregation, who rebelled against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah when they rebelled against Yahweh;
Here the term marks those who rebelled, proving that the label 'chosen' refers to their official status rather than their moral faithfulness or obedience.