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קָוֶה

𐤒𐤅𐤄

qâveh

H6961 noun

SILEX Entry

Root קוה to collect, gather, twist together

Definition

A measuring cord or line, typically made of twisted materials, used as an implement for measuring length or marking territory or boundaries. In context, may denote an actual instrument for measurement, such as a cord used by builders or surveyors, or function symbolically to refer to the boundary or allotted portion itself.

Semantic Range

measuring cord, measuring line, surveyor's line, instrument for measuring territory or construction, boundary marker

Root / Etymology

The noun קָוֶה derives from the root קוה (q-v-h), which at its core means 'to collect, gather, twist together.' The verb form often refers to gathering or waiting (as in hoping expectantly), but as a noun, especially in this derived form, it designates what 'is collected/twisted' — in this case, a cord. The more common noun קָו (qāv, H6957) is closely related and also means measuring line or cord. The form קָוֶה is a variant or diminutive of this, emphasizing a physical measuring implement made of twisted material.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, קָוֶה appears infrequently (notably in Isaiah 28:17), where it is juxtaposed with other measuring tools to illustrate precision in judgment and construction. Its usage overlaps with קָו, and both terms are associated with surveying or marking boundaries (literal or metaphorical). The word does not have the later, specialized meaning of 'line' as an abstract or literary device. Typical English translations as 'cord' or 'measuring line' capture the physical aspect but may miss the semantic nuance related to boundary, portion, or destiny (by extension, what is measured out to someone). In prophetic literature, such terms often highlight the idea of just allotment or determined boundaries according to a standard. The semantic range is somewhat narrower than קָו, which can more easily bear metaphorical extensions. No theological or religious sense is inherent to the term itself, but metaphorical uses in later literature may develop.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from קָוָה; a (measuring) cord (as if for binding); line.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

קוה (q-v-h) — collect, gather, twist together

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4723 מִקְוֶה Gathering-Place
H4724 מִקְוָה and water-gathering pool
H6957 קַו with the measuring-cord
H6960 קָוָה I will eagerly wait
H8615 תִּקְוָה the expectation

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6961-03 ו/קוה vqvh HC/Ncmsa and a line twisted measuring-cord 2
H6961-01 קוה qvh HNcmsc measuring-line measuring cord of 1
H6961-02 וְ/קָו֙ veqav HC/Ncmsc of and measuring cord of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6961-03 1 Kings 7:23 ו/קוה vqvh HC/Ncmsa and a line twisted measuring-cord
H6961-02 1 Kings 7:23 וְ/קָו֙ veqav HC/Ncmsc of and measuring cord of
H6961-01 Jeremiah 31:39 קוה qvh HNcmsc measuring-line measuring cord of
H6961-03 Zechariah 1:16 ו/קוה vqvh HC/Ncmsa and-a-measuring-line twisted measuring-cord
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