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H4744 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מִקְרָא
miqraʾ
Noun, masculine
convocation, assembly, reading

Definition

Miqraʾ (H4744) derives from qaraʾ (to call, to read) and means a sacred convocation — a gathering called by God. The appointed feasts are called miqraʾ qodesh ('holy convocations'). In post-biblical Hebrew miqra became the word for Scripture itself — the sacred reading.

Usage & Theological Significance

The miqraʾ qodesh feasts are rehearsals of redemption. Israel gathers not merely for tradition but because God calls them — these are divine summons. The New Testament sees Christ as the fulfillment of each miqraʾ. And the later use of miqra for Scripture shows that God's word is itself a calling — kletos in Greek — an invitation to holy assembly.

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 23:2 Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations [miqraʾe qodesh].
Leviticus 23:4 These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, the holy convocations [miqraʾe qodesh], which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them.
Numbers 28:18 On the first day there shall be a holy convocation [miqraʾ qodesh]. You shall not do any ordinary work.
Isaiah 1:13 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations — I cannot endure iniquity with solemn assembly.
Nehemiah 8:8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

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External Resources

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