קְרֵב
Definition
The Aramaic noun קְרֵב (qᵉrêb) fundamentally means 'nearness' or 'approach,' denoting the state of being close in space, time, or relationship. In its biblical usage, it often refers to the act of drawing near for a specific purpose, such as presenting offerings to God (Ezra 6:10, 6:17) or approaching a king or authority figure (Daniel 6:12, 6:20). In Daniel 7:13, it takes on a profound eschatological sense, describing the approach of the 'son of man' to the Ancient of Days to receive dominion.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently involves approaching a figure of supreme authority, whether divine or royal. In Ezra, it describes priests approaching God with sacrifices (Ezra 6:10, 7:17). In Daniel, it is used for officials approaching King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:8, 3:26) or King Darius (Daniel 6:12, 6:20), culminating in the visionary approach of the heavenly 'son of man' (Daniel 7:13).
Etymology
קְרֵב is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew verb קָרַב (qārav, H7126), meaning 'to come near' or 'to approach.' It shares the same Semitic root (*q-r-b). In Aramaic, it developed as a noun form specifically denoting the concept or act of drawing near, which was used during the post-exilic period when Aramaic was a common language.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it bridges concepts of worship and eschatology. In Ezra, it frames the proper, reverent approach to God in worship through sacrifice. Most importantly, in Daniel 7:13, it describes the moment the 'son of man' approaches the divine throne to receive an everlasting kingdom, a passage foundational for messianic and Christological interpretation in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the gravity and purpose of 'drawing near' to ultimate authority.
In the Persian imperial context of Ezra and Daniel, 'approaching' a king was a formal, regulated act, often requiring permission and carrying life-or-death consequences (as seen in Daniel 6). This cultural reality of restricted access to authority deeply informs the term's usage, making the act of 'qᵉrêb' one of solemnity and potential peril, which is then applied to the human approach to God.
קָרַב (qārav, H7126) — The Hebrew verb meaning 'to draw near,' from which the Aramaic noun is derived. נָגַשׁ (nāgaš, H5066) — A Hebrew verb meaning 'to draw near' often used for approaching God in worship or for battle.
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.
Full methodology & sources →