קָרַב
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
Definition
The Hebrew verb קָרַב (qârab) fundamentally means 'to approach' or 'to draw near.' It describes physical movement toward a person, place, or object, as when Joseph's brothers 'drew near' to him in Genesis 37:18. In a religious context, it takes on the specialized meaning of approaching God, particularly in worship and sacrifice, such as when God instructs Moses to not 'come near' the holy ground in Exodus 3:5. In its causative form (Hiphil), it means 'to bring near' or 'to offer,' referring to the presentation of sacrifices (e.g., Leviticus 1:2) or the act of introducing someone into a privileged position.
Biblical Usage
קָרַב is used extensively throughout the Old Testament, especially in the Pentateuch's legal and ritual texts. It describes both ordinary, physical proximity (Genesis 27:41) and, more significantly, the act of approaching the divine in a cultic setting. A key pattern is its use for priests and worshippers drawing near to God's presence at the tabernacle or altar to present offerings (Leviticus 9:7-8). It is also used for nations or armies drawing near for battle (Deuteronomy 20:2) and for the concept of time drawing near (Genesis 47:29).
Etymology
קָרַב is a primitive root. Its basic meaning relates to closeness and proximity. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian (qerēbu) and Arabic (qaruba), with similar meanings of 'being near.' The Hebrew word's semantic range developed from simple physical nearness to include the important theological concept of approaching the sacred.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically central to the concept of access to God. In the Old Testament, one could not casually 'draw near' to the holy God; it required specific mediation, purification, and sacrifice (Exodus 19:21-22). The ritual use of קָרַב underscores the holiness of God and the need for atonement. This sets the stage for the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who, as the ultimate high priest and sacrifice, enables believers to 'draw near' to God with confidence (Hebrews 10:22).
In ancient Israelite culture, 'drawing near' was not a neutral act. Approaching a superior, especially a king or deity, was governed by strict protocols of respect, submission, and often ritual purity. The use of קָרַב in sacrificial contexts reflects a worldview where the divine realm was separate and required careful, prescribed mediation. The physical act of bringing an offering near the altar was the essential first step in the worship ceremony.
נָגַשׁ (nāgaš, H5066) — Often used interchangeably for 'to approach,' but can imply a more forceful drawing near or pressing forward. בּוֹא (bôʾ, H935) — A more general term for 'to come' or 'to go,' without the specific connotation of drawing near to a specific point or person. עָמַד (ʿāmaḏ, H5975) — Means 'to stand'; one would 'draw near' (qârab) and then 'stand' before someone.
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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