6981. Qore
Lexical Summary
Qore: Caller, Proclaimer

Original Word: קוֹרֵא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Qowre'
Pronunciation: ko-ray'
Phonetic Spelling: (ko-ray')
KJV: Kore
NASB: Kore
Word Origin: [active participle of H7121 (קָרָא - called)]

1. crier
2. Kore, the name of two Israelites

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Kore

Or Qore (1 Chronicles 26:1) {ko-ray'}; active participle of qara'; crier; Kore, the name of two Israelites -- Kore.

see HEBREW qara'

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from qara
Definition
"crier," two Levites
NASB Translation
Kore (3).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. קוֺרֵא proper name, masculine Κωρηβ, Κωρη, etc.; Levites:

1 Chron Judges 9:19; Judg 26:1; (קֹרֵא); 22Chronicles 31:4.

Topical Lexicon
Name and Genealogical Context

Kore (קוֹרֵא, Qurēʾ) appears in the Chronicler’s record as the name of several Levitical men. The first two are Korahite descendants through Ebiasaph, linking them to the family of the rebel Korah (Numbers 16) yet showing the Lord’s gracious preservation of a remnant for holy service (Numbers 26:11). A third Kore, from the clan of Imnah, belongs to the family of Asaph-gatekeepers. Together these men illustrate how individual faithfulness can redeem a troubled lineage and advance the worship of God in Israel.

Occurrences in Scripture

1 Chronicles 9:19 – Kore is the grandfather of Shallum, chief gatekeeper after the exile.
1 Chronicles 26:1 – Kore is the father of Meshelemiah (also called Shelemiah), leader of a rotation of gatekeepers.
2 Chronicles 31:14 – Kore son of Imnah supervises the distribution of freewill offerings during Hezekiah’s reform.

Roles in Temple Service

1. Gatekeeping. The first two references place Kore within the hereditary guild that “were assigned to guard the thresholds of the tent” (1 Chronicles 9:19). Gatekeepers controlled access to sacred space, protected the sanctity of worship, and coordinated the flow of people and offerings. Their ministry embodied vigilance, purity, and order—qualities vital to any corporate approach to God.

2. Stewardship of Offerings. The third Kore “was in charge of the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the contributions made to the LORD and the consecrated gifts” (2 Chronicles 31:14). Under Hezekiah’s revival he organized storerooms, tracked inventories, and ensured equitable distribution to priests and Levites “by divisions, old and young alike” (2 Chronicles 31:15). His administrative integrity safeguarded both the people’s generosity and the priests’ ability to serve without distraction.

Historical Significance

The Chronicler writes to a post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around the temple. By highlighting faithful Korahites—formerly known for rebellion—he signals the possibility of restoration when later generations submit to God’s covenant order. Kore’s family stands as proof that divine judgment never extinguishes the LORD’s promises; rather, repentance and obedience reposition a lineage for blessing (compare Deuteronomy 30:1-10).

In Hezekiah’s day, Kore’s careful handling of offerings enabled nationwide participation in reform. The king’s appeal, “Do not be stiff-necked as your fathers were” (2 Chronicles 30:8), gains credibility when Levites like Kore demonstrate the opposite spirit. Their diligence fostered trust, prompting the people to “bring in their tithes faithfully” (2 Chronicles 31:12). Thus administrative service became a catalyst for spiritual renewal.

Theological and Ministerial Insights

• Redemption of Heritage. Kore’s Korahite descent reminds believers that past failure need not define future usefulness. In Christ, every family history finds opportunity for redemption and service (Romans 5:20).
• Watchfulness at the Gates. Gatekeeping prefigures the church’s call to guard doctrine, worship, and communal holiness (1 Timothy 6:20; Jude 3). Faithful oversight—whether of physical doors or theological boundaries—protects the flock and honors God.
• Stewardship of Resources. Kore son of Imnah models transparent administration of offerings, an enduring requirement for ministry leaders (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Integrity in financial matters nurtures confidence among God’s people and sustains the work of the gospel.
• Corporate Participation. The flow of gifts through Kore’s hands illustrates the priesthood-people partnership. Worship thrives when every believer contributes, and when appointed leaders responsibly distribute (1 Peter 2:5).

Lessons for Contemporary Believers

1. Ancestral failures can be overcome through present obedience.
2. Visible roles (gatekeeping) and behind-the-scenes tasks (accounting) alike are sacred when performed unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).
3. Vigilance and integrity remain essential traits for anyone entrusted with the “gates” of doctrine, fellowship, or finances in the church.
4. Revival is sustained not only by fervent worship but also by orderly stewardship; spiritual zeal and administrative faithfulness must walk together.

In the brief but instructive mentions of Kore, Scripture weaves a testimony of restored lineage, faithful guardianship, and exemplary stewardship—an enduring call to serve God’s house with courage, precision, and grace.

Forms and Transliterations
וְקוֹרֵ֨א וקורא ק֠וֹרֵא קֹרֵ֖א קורא קרא Kore qō·rê qō·w·rê qōrê qōwrê vekoRe wə·qō·w·rê wəqōwrê
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 9:19
HEB: וְשַׁלּ֣וּם בֶּן־ ק֠וֹרֵא בֶּן־ אֶבְיָסָ֨ף
NAS: the son of Kore, the son
KJV: the son of Kore, the son
INT: Shallum the son of Kore the son of Ebiasaph

1 Chronicles 26:1
HEB: מְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֥הוּ בֶן־ קֹרֵ֖א מִן־ בְּנֵ֥י
NAS: the son of Kore, of the sons
KJV: the son of Kore, of the sons
INT: Meshelemiah the son of Kore at of the sons

2 Chronicles 31:14
HEB: וְקוֹרֵ֨א בֶן־ יִמְנָ֤ה
NAS: Kore the son of Imnah
KJV: And Kore the son of Imnah
INT: Kore the son of Imnah

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 6981
3 Occurrences


qō·w·rê — 2 Occ.
wə·qō·w·rê — 1 Occ.

6980
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