כָּרַע

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

Definition

The Hebrew verb כָּרַע (kâraʻ) primarily means 'to bend the knee' or 'to kneel down,' but its usage extends to a range of physical postures and metaphorical actions. In its most literal sense, it describes the physical act of kneeling, as seen when Gideon's men kneel to drink water (Judges 7:5-6). By extension, it often signifies bowing down in submission, homage, or worship, such as when people bow before a superior or before God (e.g., 2 Samuel 22:40, where God makes David's enemies 'bow down' at his feet). In some contexts, it conveys a more violent or forced 'sinking down,' as in the fatal collapse of Sisera in Judges 5:27 or the posture of a lion crouching to pounce in Genesis 49:9.

Biblical Usage

כָּרַע is used 32 times in the Old Testament, appearing across narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. Its usage is most frequent in historical narratives (Judges, Samuel) to depict physical kneeling, often in contexts of battle, weakness, or death (Judges 11:35; 1 Samuel 4:19). In poetic and prophetic texts, it frequently carries a metaphorical sense of submission or defeat, as in Balaam's oracle where enemies are made to bow (Numbers 24:9) or in David's psalm of deliverance (2 Samuel 22:40). The word is versatile, describing voluntary acts of reverence, involuntary collapse from grief or violence, and the predatory stance of an animal.

Etymology

כָּרַע is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning its etymology is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is related to the concept of bending or being low. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic and Aramaic, with similar meanings of bending, crouching, or kneeling. The core idea of the root is a downward physical movement, which naturally extended to metaphorical meanings of submission, defeat, and prostration in religious and social contexts.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays the posture of worship and submission before God. It enriches our understanding of biblical worship, showing it as a physical, humble act of reverence (as implied in passages like 2 Samuel 22:40, which reflects on God's deliverance). Furthermore, its use in contexts of God subduing enemies (e.g., Numbers 24:9) highlights divine sovereignty and judgment. Understanding כָּרַע helps readers see the connection between physical posture and spiritual attitude in the Hebrew worldview, where bowing is not merely ceremonial but an expression of total dependence, honor, or acknowledgment of authority.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, kneeling or prostrating was a profound gesture of respect, submission, or worship, directed toward kings, deities, or superiors. The act of כָּרַע was not merely polite but often obligatory, signaling one's lower social or political status. Its use for a lion crouching (Genesis 49:9) also taps into a common cultural image of predatory power. Modern readers might miss the full weight of this gesture, as kneeling today can be more casual or limited to religious settings, whereas in biblical times it was a powerful, non-verbal communication of hierarchy, vulnerability, and homage in both secular and sacred spheres.

שָׁחָה (shâchâh, H7812) — a more general term for bowing down, often specifically in worship or reverence. כָּפַף (kâphaph, H3721) — to bend or bow, often implying being forced or weighed down. חָוָה (châvâh, H2331) — to prostrate oneself in homage or supplication, closely related to worship.

Word Details

Scripture References