קָרַס
to hunch, i.e. be hump-backed
Definition
The Hebrew verb קָרַס (qâraç) means to bend, stoop, or crouch down. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes the physical act of idols bowing or crouching, specifically in Isaiah 46:1-2. The word conveys a posture of submission, weakness, or being weighed down. It is used exclusively in a figurative sense to depict the humiliation of false gods, contrasting their inability with the power of Yahweh.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only twice, both in the same prophetic context in Isaiah 46:1-2. It describes the Babylonian idols Bel and Nebo stooping, bowing down, and being carried away into captivity as burdens on weary animals. The usage is poetic and satirical, highlighting the complete powerlessness of man-made gods in the face of divine judgment, as they are depicted not as bearers but as burdens themselves.
Etymology
It is considered a primitive root, likely meaning 'to protrude' or 'to be prominent.' In the Bible, it is used as a denominative verb from the noun קֶרֶס (qeres, H7165), meaning 'a hook' or 'a clasp,' possibly alluding to a bent or curved shape. Its usage in Isaiah appears chosen for alliterative effect alongside the verb קָרַע (qâra‘, H7167), meaning 'to tear' or 'to rend.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it is employed in a key polemic against idolatry. It visually demonstrates the central Isaianic theme that idols are worthless and burdensome, while Yahweh alone is the true burden-bearer who sustains His people (Isaiah 46:3-4). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by clarifying the sharp, satirical contrast between the stumbling, crouching false gods and the everlasting, carrying God of Israel.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, idols were not merely symbols but were believed to be physical embodiments of deities that required care, feeding, and transportation in ritual processions. Isaiah's description of them 'stooping' and being loaded onto pack animals would have been a shocking and humorous image of utter defeat, subverting cultural expectations of divine power and dignity.
כָּרַע (kāra‘, H3766) — to kneel or bow down, often in reverence or worship. שָׁחָה (šāḥâ, H7812) — to bow down, prostrate oneself, usually in homage or submission. קָדַד (qādad, H6915) — to bow the head, often in mourning or respect.
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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