Lexical Summary kera: Leg, thigh Original Word: כָּרָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be grieved (Aramaic) probably corresponding to karah in the sense of piercing (figuratively); to grieve -- be grieved. see HEBREW karah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) probably corresponding to karah Definition to be distressed NASB Translation distressed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כְּרָא] verb Ithpe`el be distressed (compare כַּרְיָא III. adjective suffering, כְּ רִיוּחָא noun id. DWB 197; Syriac ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Topical Lexicon Hebrew–Aramaic Setting The lone occurrence of כָּרָא stands in the Aramaic section of Daniel, describing an inner piercing or wounding of spirit rather than a mere passing sadness. The verb’s rarity highlights the singular force of Daniel’s experience. Context in Daniel 7:15 After witnessing the four beasts, the heavenly court, and the coronation of “One like a Son of Man,” Daniel testifies, “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit, and the visions in my mind alarmed me” (Daniel 7:15). Even a seasoned interpreter of dreams and visions now feels a distress that penetrates “within the body” (lit. “in the sheath”), portraying the spirit as a sword sheathed in flesh and suddenly struck. Theological Significance 1. Weight of Revelation Genuine prophetic encounter is costly. The same visions that inspire hope about God’s everlasting kingdom also lay bare the turmoil of history and the final judgment. The sharpness of כָּרָא guards against a casual handling of eschatology. 2. Prophetic Sensitivity Daniel’s pierced spirit models a heart attuned to God. Rather than becoming desensitized by repeated visions (Daniel 2; 4; 5), he remains moved, showing that spiritual maturity deepens tenderness, not callousness. 3. Sober Eschatology The verb mirrors the emotional gravity believers should feel when confronting the rise and fall of empires, the suffering of the saints, and the certainty of God’s dominion (Daniel 7:27). Historical Perspective Daniel served in pagan courts during the exile, navigating idolatrous environments while honoring the LORD. His inward wounding underscores the cost of faithful witness in any hostile culture and assures exiles of every age that God understands the heart pierced by visions of both judgment and hope. Related Biblical Themes • Grief of spirit: Genesis 6:6; Judges 10:16; Psalm 78:40 Though employing different vocabulary, these passages echo the same spiritual dynamic: revelation can wound before it heals. Christological Reflection Daniel’s pierced spirit anticipates the Messiah who would be “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5), and whose soul was “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). Both instances display the pattern of suffering preceding glory (Hebrews 2:10). Ministry Applications • Pastoral Care: Encourage believers troubled by world events or difficult passages to follow Daniel—seek understanding through prayer and godly counsel. Summary With a single stroke כָּרָא conveys the profound inner wound produced by divine revelation. It teaches that the path to clearer vision of God’s kingdom may pass through seasons of distress, yet such piercing prepares the heart for the comfort and certainty found in the reign of the Son of Man. Forms and Transliterations אֶתְכְּרִיַּ֥ת אתכרית ’eṯ·kə·rî·yaṯ ’eṯkərîyaṯ etkeriYatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 7:15 HEB: אֶתְכְּרִיַּ֥ת רוּחִ֛י אֲנָ֥ה NAS: my spirit was distressed within KJV: Daniel was grieved in my spirit INT: was distressed my spirit I 1 Occurrence |