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H7126 · Hebrew · Old Testament
קָרַב
qarav
Verb
draw near, approach, come close, present (an offering)

Definition

Qarav means to draw near, approach, or come close. It occurs about 280 times in the OT. The related noun qorban (offering, H7133) means literally "that which is brought near" — what you carry forward to present to God.

The verb covers a wide range: armies drawing near in battle (Genesis 12:11), a person approaching another in intimacy, a worshiper approaching the sanctuary — and, most theologically rich, creatures approaching the holy God.

Usage & Theological Significance

The entire sacrificial system is built on qarav. Leviticus's opening word is essentially "When any of you draws near to the LORD with an offering (qorban)…" (Leviticus 1:2). Worship is qarav — the act of drawing close to the holy God in the only way that is safe: through blood atonement.

The Levitical priests "drew near" (qarav) to God as their vocation — they were the mediators of nearness. Only the high priest could "draw near" to the Most Holy Place on Yom Kippur. The limitation on access to God's presence was the dominant structure of OT worship.

Hebrews 4:16 and 10:22 issue the New Covenant invitation: "Let us draw near (Greek proserchomai) to the throne of grace with confidence." Christ's high priesthood permanently removes the barrier. Qarav is now open to all who come through Him.

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 1:2 When anyone among you brings an offering (qorban, from qarav) to the LORD, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.
Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good for me to draw near (qarav) to God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge.
Isaiah 29:13 These people come near (qarav) to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Exodus 14:20 And neither went near (qarav) the other all night.
James 4:8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners.

Related Words

External Resources

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