קֹרַח
Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites
Definition
קֹרַח (Qôrach) is a proper name meaning 'Korach' or 'Korah,' borne by several significant biblical figures. Most notably, it refers to the Levite Korah who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's authority in the wilderness (Numbers 16:1-50). The name is also used for three Edomites, descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:5, 14, 16, 18), and for other Israelites, including a son of Esau and a grandson of Levi (Exodus 6:21, 24). The different individuals are distinguished by their genealogical and narrative contexts.
Biblical Usage
The name appears 26 times, primarily in genealogical lists (Genesis 36; Exodus 6; 1 Chronicles 2) and in the dramatic narrative of rebellion in Numbers 16. Its usage in Numbers 16 is central, detailing Korah's challenge to priestly authority and the divine judgment that followed. The pattern shows it used both for establishing lineage and for a major story of conflict and consequence.
Etymology
Derived from the root קָרַח (qārach, H7139), meaning 'to be bald' or 'ice.' As a name, it likely carries the sense of 'ice,' 'frost,' or 'baldness,' possibly describing a physical characteristic or symbolizing something cold or barren. It is related to the noun קֶרַח (qerach) meaning 'ice' or 'frost.'
Semantic Range
The story of Korah (Numbers 16) is profoundly theological, illustrating the serious consequences of rebelling against God's established order and appointed leadership. It underscores themes of divine holiness, the exclusivity of the Aaronic priesthood, and the danger of pride and ambition. Understanding this name enriches reading by connecting the individual to this pivotal narrative about authority, judgment, and the fear of the Lord.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaning or described traits. Bearing a name meaning 'ice' or 'baldness' might have signified a physical attribute or a parent's experience (e.g., a cold season at birth). The narrative of Korah's rebellion would have served as a powerful cultural warning against challenging communal and religious structures ordained by God.
דָּתָן (Dathan, H1885) and אֲבִירָם (Abiram, H48) — Korah's primary co-conspirators in the rebellion (Numbers 16:1).
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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