קׇרְחִי
a Korchite (collectively) or descendants of Korach
Definition
The term 'Korchite' (קׇרְחִי) refers to a member of the clan or descendants of Korah (Qorach). In the Old Testament, it primarily denotes a specific Levitical family descended from Kohath through Korah (Exodus 6:24, Numbers 26:58). This group held important religious duties, particularly as gatekeepers and servants in the tabernacle and later the temple (1 Chronicles 9:19, 1 Chronicles 26:1). The term can be used collectively for the clan as a whole or for individual members within it.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively in historical and genealogical contexts, appearing in Exodus, Numbers, and Chronicles. It identifies the Korahites within the tribe of Levi, detailing their lineage and assigned roles. In Chronicles, their duties are specified, such as guarding the temple gates (1 Chronicles 9:19) and serving as musicians or warriors (1 Chronicles 12:6, 2 Chronicles 20:19). The usage consistently highlights their priestly service and organizational structure within Israel's worship.
Etymology
Derived from the proper name Korah (קֹרַח, H7141), meaning 'bald' or 'ice'. The suffix -ִי (-iy) forms a patronymic, indicating 'belonging to' or 'descendant of'. Thus, Qorchîy literally means 'of Korah' or 'descendant of Korah'. It is a standard Hebrew construction for identifying familial or tribal affiliation.
Semantic Range
The Korahites represent God's grace and the possibility of restoration within a covenant community. Despite the rebellion of their ancestor Korah (Numbers 16), his descendants were not cut off but instead given honored roles in Israel's worship (Numbers 26:9-11). This illustrates themes of God's faithfulness to the Levitical covenant and the integration of repentant lines into sacred service. Their story encourages readers to see beyond individual sin to God's broader redemptive purposes for families and ministries.
In ancient Israel, tribal and clan identities were foundational to social and religious life. Being a Korchite meant belonging to a specific Levitical guild with hereditary responsibilities for temple logistics, music, and security. This was a position of both privilege and duty, as they maintained the order and sanctity of worship spaces. Their identity was inextricably linked to their service, distinguishing them from other Levitical families like the Gershonites or Merarites.
לֵוִי (Leviy, H3878) — A broader term for any member of the tribe of Levi, which includes the Korahites. קְהָתִי (Qehatiy, H6956) — Refers to descendants of Kohath, the larger Levitical division to which the Korahites belonged.
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 →