קַרְקַע

Karka (with the article prefix), a place in Palestine

Definition

The Hebrew word קַרְקַע (Qarqaʻ) is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in the southern border of the tribe of Judah, as recorded in Joshua 15:3. It appears in the form 'ha-Qarqaʻ' (הַקַּרְקַע), meaning 'the Karka,' indicating it was a known place name. The term is derived from the common noun meaning 'ground' or 'floor,' suggesting the location might have been characterized by its terrain. In its single biblical occurrence, it serves solely as a place identifier with no additional narrative detail.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Joshua 15:3, within a list describing the southern boundary of Judah's tribal inheritance. It functions strictly as a toponym (place name). There are no patterns of usage across different contexts or books, as it is a unique reference.

Etymology

קַרְקַע (Qarqaʻ) is identical to the common noun H7172 (קַרְקַע), which means 'ground,' 'bottom,' or 'floor' (e.g., the floor of a building or the bottom of the sea). As a place name, it is therefore a descriptive toponym, likely indicating a site known for its ground or foundational character. The root relates to the concept of a base or foundation.

Semantic Range

As a place name on a tribal boundary list, 'Karka' reflects the Israelite practice of defining territories with precise geographical markers. These lists (Joshua 13-19) were crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance, and community cohesion in the Promised Land. The name itself, meaning 'ground,' may have described a notable flat area, bedrock formation, or settlement site known to the original audience.

קַרְקַע (qarqaʻ, H7172) — the common noun meaning 'ground' or 'floor,' from which the place name is directly derived. אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — a more general term for 'land,' 'earth,' or 'country.'

Word Details

Scripture References