קָרַץ
to pinch, i.e. (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice)
Definition
The Hebrew verb קָרַץ (qârats) primarily means to pinch or squeeze, but its usage extends to specific gestures. In a figurative sense, it describes the malicious act of making subtle facial signals, such as winking the eye or biting the lip, to convey scorn, deceit, or conspiracy (Proverbs 6:13, 10:10, 16:30). In Psalm 35:19, this gesture is used by enemies who hate without cause. In a more literal, physical sense, the word appears in Job 33:6, where Elihu states he was 'pinched off' or 'formed' from clay, drawing on the imagery of a potter shaping a vessel.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used five times in the Old Testament, exclusively in poetic and wisdom literature (Job, Psalms, Proverbs). In Proverbs, it consistently describes the deceitful, non-verbal communication of a wicked person, often paired with other body language like foot tapping or finger pointing (Proverbs 6:13). In Psalm 35:19, it depicts the scornful gestures of false accusers. The single literal use is in Job 33:6, employing a metaphor for human creation from clay.
Etymology
As a primitive root, קָרַץ (qârats) carries the core idea of pinching or pressing together. This physical action naturally extended to describe the pinching or contracting of facial features. Cognates in other Semitic languages support meanings related to squeezing or pressing.
Semantic Range
This word highlights the biblical concern with the heart's posture as revealed through subtle, non-verbal actions. The wisdom literature uses it to condemn hypocrisy and malicious intent that is hidden but betrayed by a 'wink' (Proverbs 10:10). It underscores the doctrine that God judges not just overt actions but the secret attitudes of the heart. In Job 33:6, the metaphor of being 'pinched off' from clay reinforces the theme of human frailty and divine craftsmanship.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, winking or making facial gestures was a recognized form of covert communication, often associated with plotting mischief or signaling deception in a way that could be denied. This differs from some modern, more neutral understandings of a wink. The gesture conveyed malice and conspiracy, making it a powerful image for the biblical authors.
לָצַן (lâtsan, H3887) — to scorn or mock, often verbally, whereas קָרַץ focuses on non-verbal, gestural scorn. רָמָה (râmâh, H7411) — to deceive or betray, a broader term for treachery that קָרַץ can physically enact.
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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