כַּרְכָּרָה
a dromedary (from its rapid motion as if dancing)
Definition
The Hebrew word כַּרְכָּרָה (karkârâh) refers to a type of swift riding animal, specifically a dromedary or a fast camel. It derives from a root meaning 'to dance' or 'to whirl,' likely describing the animal's rapid, bounding gait. In its single biblical occurrence in Isaiah 66:20, it is listed among the means of transport that will bring God's people from distant nations to Jerusalem. The term emphasizes speed and suitability for long-distance travel, distinguishing it from slower pack animals.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 66:20. In this prophetic context, it appears in a list of conveyances—alongside horses, chariots, litters, mules, and other camels—that will bring the scattered children of Israel as an offering to the Lord in Jerusalem. Its usage highlights the theme of a grand, divinely orchestrated ingathering from the nations, with the 'karkârâh' representing efficient and dignified transport for returning exiles.
Etymology
The noun כַּרְכָּרָה (karkârâh) is derived from the root כָּרַר (kārar, H3769), which means 'to dance' or 'to whirl around.' This etymological connection suggests the word originally described the animal's characteristic bouncing or dancing motion while running. It is a specific term for a riding camel, possibly a dromedary bred for speed, as opposed to the more general Hebrew words for camel (גָּמָל, gamal).
Semantic Range
While the word itself is a specific animal term, its use in Isaiah 66:20 carries theological weight. It contributes to the prophecy's vivid imagery of the end-times restoration and universal worship. The inclusion of such a swift, valuable animal underscores the honor and urgency with which the nations will bring God's people to His holy mountain, fulfilling His promise of gathering the diaspora. Understanding this term enriches the picture of God's sovereign power to draw people from every corner of the earth.
In the ancient Near East, the dromedary (a one-humped camel) was a prized animal for its speed, endurance, and ability to traverse arid regions. A 'karkârâh' likely referred to a specially bred riding camel, distinct from slower pack camels used for cargo. Its association with swift, long-distance travel made it a symbol of wealth, status, and efficient movement, perfectly fitting Isaiah's vision of a dignified return from exile from far-flung lands.
גָּמָל (gamal, H1581) — the general Hebrew term for 'camel,' used for both pack and riding camels, whereas כַּרְכָּרָה specifies a swift riding breed. בִּכְרָה (bikrâh, H1070) — a 'young camel' or 'dromedary,' often female, sometimes used in similar poetic or prophetic lists (e.g., Jeremiah 2:23).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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