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קָרֵב

𐤒𐤓𐤁

qârêb

H7131 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root קרב to approach, to draw near, to be close

Definition

Adjective meaning 'near' or 'close' in physical or metaphorical sense; also functions as an adverb signifying proximity. Used to describe spatial nearness (e.g., a neighboring object or person), relational nearness (such as kin or an associate), and temporal proximity (an event about to happen). Can indicate readiness, opportunity, or imminence depending on context.

Semantic Range

near in place, near in time, near in relationship, neighbor, imminent, ready

Root / Etymology

From the verb קָרַב (qarav) meaning 'to come near, approach, draw close.' The adjective קָרֵב derives from this root, expressing the quality or state of being near rather than the action of approaching.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, קָרֵב is not as frequent as some related forms (notably the verb קָרַב), but where it does appear, it typically describes nearness in space (a close city or person), in time (an event at hand), or in relationship (those who are close associates or relatives). The term can create contrast with רָחוֹק (rachōq, 'far'). Apart from spatial usage, temporal uses (e.g., describing imminent events) are significant in prophetic or legal texts. In later Hebrew and cognate Semitic languages, derivatives of this root continue to express both physical and figurative proximity. Standard English translations usually render it simply as 'near' or 'nigh,' but these may underplay possible nuances of readiness or relational closeness in context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from קָרַב; near; approach, come (near, nigh), draw near.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

קרב (q-r-b) — to approach, to draw near, to be close

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7126 קָרַב I would bring him near
H7127 קְרֵב they brought him near
H7128 קְרָב in combat
H7129 קְרָב Draw near
H7130 קֶרֶב in the inner midst of

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7131-01 הַ/קָּרֵ֧ב haqarev HTd/Aamsa who comes near the near one 3
H7131-02 הַ/קְּרֵבִ֧ים haqerevim HTd/Aampa who-approach the near ones 2
H7131-04 וְ/קָרֵ֖ב veqarev HC/Aamsa and approaching and near 2
H7131-03 קְרֵבִ֥ים qerevim HAampa are drawing near near ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7131-01 Numbers 17:28 הַ/קָּרֵ֧ב haqarev HTd/Aamsa who comes near the near one
H7131-01 Numbers 17:28 הַ/קָּרֵ֛ב haqarev-2 HTd/Aamsa who comes near the near one
H7131-03 Deuteronomy 20:3 קְרֵבִ֥ים qerevim HAampa are drawing near near ones
H7131-04 1 Samuel 17:41 וְ/קָרֵ֖ב veqarev HC/Aamsa and approaching and near
H7131-04 2 Samuel 18:25 וְ/קָרֵֽב veqarev HC/Aamsa and drawing near and near
H7131-01 1 Kings 5:7 הַ/קָּרֵ֛ב haqarev HTd/Aamsa the-coming-near the near one
H7131-02 Ezekiel 40:46 הַ/קְּרֵבִ֧ים haqerevim HTd/Aampa who-approach the near ones
H7131-02 Ezekiel 45:4 הַ/קְּרֵבִ֖ים haqerevim HTd/Aampa who come near the near ones
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