כָּרָה

to purchase

Definition

The Hebrew verb כָּרָה (kârâh) primarily means 'to purchase' or 'to acquire by payment,' but its usage in the Bible reveals a specific nuance. It often implies a formal, deliberate transaction, sometimes with a sense of preparation or provision. In Deuteronomy 2:6, it refers to buying food and water from the Edomites, a straightforward commercial exchange. However, in 2 Kings 6:23, the king of Israel 'prepares' (kârâh) a great feast for the captured Arameans, shifting the meaning toward providing or furnishing. The most striking use is in Hosea 3:2, where God commands Hosea to 'acquire' (kârâh) his adulterous wife back, depicting a costly act of redemption that goes beyond a simple purchase.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only three times in the Old Testament, each in a distinct context that shapes its meaning. It appears in legal/commercial settings (Deuteronomy 2:6), in narratives of hospitality and provision (2 Kings 6:23), and in prophetic symbolism of restoration (Hosea 3:2). Its rarity suggests it was a formal term for a significant acquisition, not everyday buying. The usage spans the Torah, Historical Books, and Prophets, showing its application in law, story, and metaphor.

Etymology

כָּרָה (kârâh, H3739) is usually considered a primitive root, but many scholars link it to the more common root כָּרָה (kârâh, H3738), which means 'to dig' or 'to plot.' The connection lies in the idea of 'excavating' or 'working to obtain' something, which evolved into the concept of procuring through transaction or preparation. This etymological link suggests that a purchase or provision was seen as the result of deliberate effort or planning.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant, especially in Hosea 3:2. There, it portrays God's relentless, costly love in redeeming unfaithful Israel. Understanding that כָּרָה implies a deliberate, formal acquisition enriches the reading of this passage, highlighting that redemption is not casual but a purposeful and expensive act of grace. It prefigures the New Testament concept of Christ purchasing (or redeeming) his people, adding depth to the biblical theme of covenant love and restoration.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, transactions like those in Deuteronomy 2:6 were often formal agreements, essential for peaceful passage and survival in arid regions. The 'purchase' in Hosea 3:2 likely involved a bride price or redemption fee, reflecting the social and economic realities of marriage and slavery. The act was not merely financial but carried legal and relational weight, signifying a change in status and commitment, which modern readers might overlook.

קָנָה (qānâh, H7069) — a more general term for acquiring, creating, or buying; often used for God's creative acts. ‎שָׁבַר (shāvar, H7666) — to buy grain or provisions, focusing on obtaining food supplies.

Word Details

Scripture References