קָרַס
𐤒𐤓𐤎
qâraç
H7164 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be hump-backed or bent over, to have a curved or protruding back, particularly referring to a physical deformity or condition in which the back is arched or hunched. In the only biblical attestation (Leviticus 21:20), it denotes a specific bodily condition that rendered a priest unfit for cultic service, specifically describing one who is marked by a hunchback or curvature of the spine.
Semantic Range
to be hump-backed, to have a curved or protruding back, to bend or arch (of the back), to be stooped (due to deformity), physical condition of spinal curvature
Root / Etymology
Root: קרס. The root meaning is uncertain and rare, possibly related secondarily or by alliteration to קֶרֶס (keres, 'hook, clasp'). In Leviticus 21:20, the verb appears as a denominative form, likely deriving its nuance from the noun describing something bent or curved. The root does not appear broadly elsewhere in biblical literature and is specific to the notion of bending, curving, or arching (as with the back).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible (Leviticus 21:20), within the context of describing physical blemishes that disqualified a priest from offering sacrifices. The list in which it appears contains terms denoting various physical deformities, paralleling similar lists in ancient Near Eastern priestly regulations. Later rabbinic literature and translations such as the Septuagint render the term with Greek words indicating 'hunchbacked.' Standard English translations often use 'hunchbacked' or 'bent of back,' but these may not fully convey the physical specificity implied in the Hebrew. The word's rare use and association with priestly qualification mean it is tightly tied to cultic-ritual concerns rather than being a general medical or anatomical term in ancient Israelite society. It is distinct from other Hebrew words for lameness or disability, focusing specifically on a curved or protruding back, not general disability. English versions may anachronistically use 'crippled' or 'deformed,' which do not precisely match the nuance of the Hebrew term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to protrude; used only as denominative from קֶרֶס (for alliteration with קָרַע),; to hunch, i.e. be hump-backed; stoop.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קרס (q-r-s) — to be bent, to curve, to protrude
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3770 | כְּרֵשׂ | his curved belly |
| H7165 | קֶרֶס | with the hook-fasteners |
| H7166 | קַרְסֹל | my ankle joints |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7164-02 |
קֹרֵ֣ס | qores | HVqrmsa |
stoops | bent-backed one | 1 |
H7164-01 |
קָרְס֤וּ | qaresu | HVqp3cp |
They stooped over | they were hump-backed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7164-02 |
Isaiah 46:1 | קֹרֵ֣ס | qores | HVqrmsa |
stoops | bent-backed one |
H7164-01 |
Isaiah 46:2 | קָרְס֤וּ | qaresu | HVqp3cp |
They stooped over | they were hump-backed |