The meaning of “קָרָא”
Understanding qârâʼ reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) n...
קָרָא
bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications) 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 27:1 | “And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.” Word: קָרָא (qârâʼ) | |
| Ruth 4:11 | “And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth–lehem:” Word: קָרָא (qârâʼ) | |
| Ezra 8:21 | “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” Word: קָרָא (qârâʼ) | |
| Song of Solomon 5:6 | “I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.” Word: קָרָא (qârâʼ) | |
| Joel 2:15 | “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:” Word: קָרָא (qârâʼ) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Call
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To call, summon, proclaim
The Hebrew qara (קָרָא) means to call—summoning by name or proclaiming. God called Abraham, Moses, and the prophets. 'Call unto me, and I will answer thee' (Jeremiah 33:3).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To call, invite, summon
The Greek kaleo (καλέω) means to call or invite. Believers are 'called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28), 'called unto the fellowship of his Son' (1 Corinthians 1:9), and called to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7).