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מְקָרֶה

𐤌𐤒𐤓𐤄

mᵉqâreh

H4746 noun

SILEX Entry

Root קרה to meet, come together, arrange

Definition

A structural element composed of beams or a framework, often forming the roof or covering of a building; sometimes denotes a roof or the construction that spans and protects a space. In context, the term refers to the protective framework—typically of wood—used in buildings, particularly as the uppermost element covering the structure.

Semantic Range

beam framework, roof structure, timber frame, rafters, architectural framework, upper structure of a building

Root / Etymology

From the root קָרָה (q-r-h), meaning 'to meet, happen, bring together, arrange', with מְ (mem prefix) as a formative denoting 'place of' or 'instrument of'. Thus, מְקָרֶה means 'something that meets/touches'—in applied usage, the component where structural elements (such as beams) are joined together; hence, a framework or roof structure.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, מְקָרֶה is most notably used in passages like 1 Kings 6:9, describing the timber roof structure in the construction of the Israelite Temple. The term specifically indicates the upper framework of beams or rafters supporting a roofing surface, typically built from cedar or other durable wood. While English translations may render it as 'roof' or 'beamwork,' מְקָרֶה does not refer to the finished roof covering (such as tiles or thatch), but more narrowly to the framework that forms the foundational structure for the roof. The concept is distinct from generic terms for houses or tents and relates specifically to solid wooden architecture in settings such as temples or prominent buildings. The Greek Septuagint sometimes renders this as στεγαστή (‘roof frame’), reflecting this more technical sense. Over time, especially in Second Temple interpretations, the term could extend metaphorically to signify shelter or protection, but the primary historical association remains architectural.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from קָרָה; properly, something meeting, i.e. a frame (of timbers); building.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

קרה (q-r-h) — meet, come together, arrange

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4745 מִקְרֶה like a chance-occurrence of
H7136 קָרָה the one bringing about
H7137 קָרֶה accidental occurrence of
H7147 קְרִי in adversarial encounter
H7149 קִרְיָא in organized cities

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4746-01 הַ/מְּקָרֶ֑ה hameqareh HTd/Ncmsa the roof the beam-framing one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4746-01 Ecclesiastes 10:18 הַ/מְּקָרֶ֑ה hameqareh HTd/Ncmsa the roof the beam-framing one
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