קָוֶה
a (measuring) cord (as if for binding)
Definition
The Hebrew noun קָוֶה (qâveh) refers to a measuring line or cord, used for marking out boundaries or distances. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 31:39, where it describes the measuring line that will go out over the hill of Gareb and around Goah during the future restoration and measurement of Jerusalem. While its single biblical usage is literal, the word carries the conceptual idea of demarcation, order, and divine allotment. The related verb (קָוָה, H6960) means 'to wait for' or 'to hope,' but the noun form specifically denotes the physical tool for measurement.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only in Jeremiah 31:39. It appears in a prophetic context describing the precise, future rebuilding and measurement of Jerusalem, symbolizing God's orderly restoration and the re-establishment of the city's holy boundaries. The usage is literal, referring to a surveyor's line, but within a highly significant theological promise about renewal.
Etymology
Derived from the root קָוָה (qâvah, H6960), which primarily means 'to wait for, hope for, or look eagerly.' The noun קָוֶה specifically denotes a 'measuring line,' likely from the idea of a cord being stretched out taut in anticipation or for a precise purpose. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to measuring or binding.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word is theologically significant in its context. In Jeremiah 31:39, the 'measuring line' is an instrument of God's promise, symbolizing the precision, faithfulness, and completeness of His future restoration of Jerusalem. It connects to themes of divine order, covenant faithfulness, and the hope of a rebuilt and holy city, enriching the reader's understanding of God's meticulous plans for redemption and renewal.
In ancient Israel, a measuring line (קָוֶה) was a common tool for builders and surveyors, typically a cord marked at intervals. It was essential for establishing property boundaries, planning construction, and ensuring fairness in land distribution. Its use in Jeremiah would immediately convey an image of careful planning and official re-establishment, differing from a modern casual measurement by evoking a formal, covenantal act of restoration.
חֶבֶל (chevel, H2256) — a general term for rope, cord, or measuring line, often used for a larger territory or lot. פָּתִיל (pathiyl, H6616) — a thread or cord, typically finer, used for fastening or binding.
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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