The meaning of “קְלָלָה”
Understanding qᵉlâlâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(ac-) curse(-d, -ing). - vilification 1) curse, vilification, execration
קְלָלָה
(ac-) curse(-d, -ing). - vilification 1) curse, vilification, execration
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 27:13 | “And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.” Word: קְלָלָה (qᵉlâlâh) | |
| Joshua 8:34 | “And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.” Word: קְלָלָה (qᵉlâlâh) | |
| 2 Samuel 16:12 | “It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day.” Word: קְלָלָה (qᵉlâlâh) | |
| 2 Kings 22:19 | “Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord.” Word: קְלָלָה (qᵉlâlâh) | |
| Psalms 109:18 | “As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.” Word: קְלָלָה (qᵉlâlâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Curse
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Curse, to curse
The Hebrew qelalah (קְלָלָה) means curse—the opposite of blessing. Disobedience brings curse (Deuteronomy 28:15), but God promised through Abraham's seed 'shall all families of the earth be blessed' (Genesis 12:3).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Curse
The Greek katara (κατάρα) denotes a curse. 'Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us' (Galatians 3:13), bearing the penalty we deserved.