Lexical Summary qari: Encounter, opposition, hostility Original Word: קָרִיא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance famous, renowned From qara'; called, i.e. Select -- famous, renowned. see HEBREW qara' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qara Definition called, summoned NASB Translation chosen (1), who were called (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [קָרִיא] adjective called, summoned; — plural construct as substantive; קְרִאֵי מוֺעֵד Numbers 16:2 the summoned ones of assembly, term, techn. for representatives, councilors; so קְרִיאֵי הָעֵדָה Numbers 1:16 Kt (Qr קְרוּאֵי), Numbers 26:9 Qr (Kt קרואי ! compare √ Qal 5 d). Topical Lexicon Summary of Usage קָרִיא (qari) appears three times, all in Numbers, describing individuals “called” or “selected” by the congregation of Israel for public responsibility. Each setting highlights a different facet of corporate leadership: appointment, rebellion, and reckoning. Called Representatives in the First Census Numbers 1 records the foundational census at Sinai. Verse 16 introduces the tribal leaders: “These were the men appointed from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of Israel’s clans” (Numbers 1:16). Here קָרִיא underscores the formal recognition of men whose reputations warranted trust. Their selection illustrates a principle that divinely sanctioned community order includes identifiable, accountable representatives. Leaders Who Turned from Their Calling Numbers 16:2 describes Korah’s company: “They rose up against Moses, along with two hundred fifty leaders of the congregation—appointed members of the council and men of renown”. The same word that once celebrated honorable service now marks leaders whose pride corrupted their calling. The passage warns that positional honor provides no immunity against judgment when authority is abused (see Numbers 16:32-35). A Lasting Record in the Second Census After the wilderness generation’s demise, Numbers 26:9 revisits the episode: “This was Dathan and Abiram, the same community officials who rebelled against Moses and Aaron as part of Korah’s followers” (paraphrased from). The second census preserves their names so that future generations remember both the privilege and peril of being קָרִיא. Divine memory secures justice, affirming that callings remain under God’s scrutiny even after the actors pass from the scene. Theological Reflections on Divine Calling 1. Calling originates with God, though recognized by the congregation. His sovereignty stands behind every true appointment (compare Psalm 75:6-7). Ministry Significance Today • Congregational affirmation matters. Even in theocratic Israel, leaders were acknowledged by the people; healthy churches similarly discern gifts and appoint overseers (Acts 6:3). New Testament Echoes Though קָרִיא is Hebrew, its concept resonates with the Greek κλητός (klētos, “called”) applied to believers (Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2). Together the Testaments reveal a unified theme: God calls individuals and communities to represent Him, grants authority for service, and holds them to unwavering standards of holiness. Key Lessons 1. Divine calling confers genuine authority yet demands greater accountability. Thus, קָרִיא serves as both honorific and cautionary, urging every believer to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Forms and Transliterations קְרִאֵ֥י קְרִיאֵ֣י קְרוּאֵ֣י קראי קרואי קריאי keriEi keruEi qə·ri·’ê qə·rî·’ê qə·rū·’ê qəri’ê qərî’ê qərū’êLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 1:16 HEB: [קְרִיאֵי כ] (קְרוּאֵ֣י ק) הָעֵדָ֔ה NAS: These are they who were called of the congregation, KJV: These [were] the renowned INT: These famous of the congregation the leaders Numbers 16:2 Numbers 26:9 3 Occurrences |
    |