קַרְקֹר (qar.qor)
qar.qor
Karkor
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun qarqor appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 8:10, where it identifies a location east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead. The text describes this place as the site where Gideon’s forces finally caught up with and defeated the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna after their earlier escape.
Lexical sources traditionally translate qarqor as "foundation" or "base," reflecting its likely Semitic root related to stability or a settled place. While the exact geographical coordinates remain unknown today, the term marks a critical turning point in the narrative, signifying the end of the kings’ flight and the restoration of order.
This single occurrence highlights how specific place names anchor major biblical events. By naming qarqor, the text preserves the memory of where divine justice was executed, ensuring that the location of this decisive victory is remembered alongside the broader story of Gideon’s leadership.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Karkor appears just once in Scripture, marking a specific location where Gideon’s small force finally overtook the fleeing Midianite kings. While we cannot pinpoint its exact coordinates today, the text preserves this detail to show that God’s justice was fully carried out. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far trouble may seem to run, it does not escape divine oversight.
For your faith life, this single word offers comfort. You are not left wondering if God sees the full picture of your struggles or if evil goes unpunished. The Bible records these places to assure us that history is moving toward resolution. Trust that He brings closure to difficult chapters in ways that honor His justice and mercy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [were] in <the>/ Karkor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּ/קַּרְקֹ֗ר1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 8:10
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the children of the east; for there fell one hundred twenty thousand men who drew sword.
This verse identifies Karkor as the final destination where Gideon’s army captured the Midianite leaders, confirming the end of their escape.