Lexical Summary qorah: Frost Original Word: קוֹרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beam, roof Or qorah {ko-raw'}; from quwr; a rafter (forming trenches as it were); by implication, a roof -- beam, roof. see HEBREW quwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qarah Definition a rafter, beam NASB Translation beam (2), beams (2), roof (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs קוֺרָה noun feminine rafter, beam (properly a thing meeting, fitting into, another); — suffix קֹרָתִי Genesis 19:8 (J) = my roof-tree; plural קֹרוֺת rafters, absolute 2 Chronicles 3:7, construct "" 1 Kings 6:15b (reading קוֺרוֺת הַסִּמֻּן ᵐ5 Th Kit Benz, for ᵑ0 קִירוֺת), + 1 Kings 7:7b (reading הַקּוֺרוֺת for הַקַּרְקָ֑ע, see ׳ק); Songs 1:17 ("" רחיטנו Kt, רָהִיטֵנוּ Qr); more Gen beam, singular absolute קוֺרָה 2 Kings 6:2,5. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope קוֹרָה denotes the horizontal beam or rafter that supports and ties together the roof of a structure. Although a simple architectural term, Scripture places it in settings that range from ordinary domestic life to the splendor of the temple, allowing the beam to serve as a silent witness to covenant hospitality, prophetic community, royal worship, and marital joy. Occurrences in Scripture Genesis 19:8; 2 Kings 6:2; 2 Kings 6:5; 2 Chronicles 3:7; Song of Songs 1:17. Material Culture and Architectural Context Timber beams were indispensable in Israelite and Near-Eastern construction. Local hardwoods (oak, sycamore, broom tree) were common, but where resources allowed, cedar from Lebanon and cypress were preferred for durability and resistance to pests (cf. Song of Songs 1:17). Beams were laid across stone or mud-brick walls, then over-laid with smaller rafters, reeds, and a mud-plaster coat that hardened in the sun. In elite or sacred contexts they could be paneled, carved, or overlaid with gold (2 Chronicles 3:7). Behind the single word קוֹרָה lies an entire technology of labor, trade, and craftsmanship that Scripture regularly uses as a metaphor for the fashioning of lives and communities. Hospitality and Covenant Protection (Genesis 19:8) “Do nothing to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.” Lot’s appeal rests on the inviolability of the beam that carries his roof. In a culture where the home is a sanctuary, the קוֹרָה becomes a symbol of covenantal hospitality; to violate those beneath it is to violate the household itself. The scene highlights the seriousness of providing refuge and reminds today’s readers that willingness to shelter the vulnerable is integral to godly character (Hebrews 13:2). Prophetic Community and Dependence on God (2 Kings 6:2, 5) “Please let us go to the Jordan so each of us can get a log, and build ourselves a place to live there.” The sons of the prophets outgrew their quarters and personally cut beams for expansion. When an axe head sinks, Elisha’s miraculous recovery of it underscores that even mundane ministry labors rely on divine enablement. The narrative dignifies practical work, elevating tasks such as felling trees and raising beams to Spirit-filled service. Temple Glory and Sacred Space (2 Chronicles 3:7) “He overlaid the house—the beams, the thresholds, its walls, and its doors—with gold.” Here the קוֹרָה reaches its loftiest setting. Covered with gold, the temple beams proclaim the worthiness of the God who dwells above them. They also prefigure the future “greater temple” in which living stones are built together as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). Marital Imagery and Covenant Love (Song of Songs 1:17) “The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are cypresses.” In the poetry of the Song, the cedar beam frames newly discovered love. The choice of cedar—strong, fragrant, and enduring—implies that covenant love is intended to be sturdy and pleasing. The verse invites couples to view their homes as sacred spaces where love is protected and where God-honoring intimacy flourishes. Symbolic Motifs 1. Shelter and Refuge — The beam signals a place of safety (Genesis 19:8; Psalms 91:1-2). Christological Echoes The carpenter’s Son who later carried a wooden cross understood beams both by trade and by redemption. His cross-beam became the ultimate means by which sinners find shelter, the secure support for the house God is building (Hebrews 3:6). Ministry Applications • Hospitality: Cultivate homes where guests sense the Lord’s protection. Related Terms and Concepts Bayith (house), Çēder (cedar), Pā’ār (beam decoration), Mishkan (tabernacle), Naos (temple, New Testament). Forms and Transliterations הַקֹּר֧וֹת הַקּוֹרָ֔ה הקורה הקרות קֹר֤וֹת קֹרָתִֽי׃ קוֹרָ֣ה קורה קרות קרתי׃ hakkoRah hakkoRot haq·qō·rō·wṯ haq·qō·w·rāh haqqōrōwṯ haqqōwrāh koRah koraTi koRot qō·rā·ṯî qō·rō·wṯ qō·w·rāh qōrāṯî qōrōwṯ qōwrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 19:8 HEB: בָּ֖אוּ בְּצֵ֥ל קֹרָתִֽי׃ NAS: under the shelter of my roof. KJV: they under the shadow of my roof. INT: have come the shelter of my roof 2 Kings 6:2 2 Kings 6:5 2 Chronicles 3:7 Songs 1:17 5 Occurrences |
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