Original Word: קָרֵב
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: qareb
Pronunciation: kah-reb
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-rabe')
KJV: approach, come (near, nigh), draw near
NASB: comes near, come near, came, coming near, nearer
Word Origin: [from H7126 (קָרַב - offer)]

1. near

approach, come near, nigh, draw near

From qarab; near -- approach, come (near, nigh), draw near.

see HEBREW qarab

Word Origin
from qarab
Definition
approaching
NASB Translation
came (1), come near (2), comes near (5), coming near (1), nearer (1).

קָרֵב verbal adjective approaching; — ׳ק 1 Samuel 17:41 +; plural קְרִבִים Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 45:4; — approaching:

1 as predicate, אֶלדָּֿוִד ׳הֹלֵח וְק 1 Samuel 17:14, אַתֶּס קְרֵבִים לַמִּלְחָמָה Deuteronomy 20:8; abs ׳הָלוֺח וְק 2 Samuel 18:25; c, article as substantive, 1 Kings 5:7 (+ אֶלוֺשֻׁלְחָן), Numbers 17:28 (twice in verse) (+ אֶלֿ ׳מִשְׁכַּן י).

2 with article approaching ׳י temple or tabernacle, for service, with לְשָׁרֵת Exodus 40:46 (+ ׳אֶליֿ), Ex 45:4; absolute ׳הַוָּר הַקּ Numbers 1:51; Numbers 3:10,38; Numbers 18:7.

Overview

This word portrays the act of coming close—whether to the presence of God, to another person, or to a battlefield. Its eight Old Testament uses scatter across Law, History, and Prophets, weaving a consistent theme: nearness brings privilege, responsibility, and potential peril.

Patterns of Usage

1. Sacred nearness (Numbers 17:13; Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 45:4)
2. Martial nearness (Deuteronomy 20:3)
3. Relational or courtly nearness (1 Samuel 17:41; 2 Samuel 18:25; 1 Kings 4:27)

Sacred Nearness: Priestly Access and Protective Boundaries

After the judgment on Korah, terrified Israelites cry, “Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die” (Numbers 17:13). The fear is justified: holiness consumes the presumptuous. Centuries later Ezekiel describes chambers “for the priests… who may draw near to the LORD to minister to Him” (Ezekiel 40:46; cf. 45:4). A select line of Zadok is invited where others dared not tread. Scripture thus balances divine transcendence and gracious invitation. Access is possible, yet only on God’s terms—pointing forward to the once-for-all priestly work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Martial Nearness: Courage Grounded in Covenant

Before battle the priest announces, “Today you are advancing to fight against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted; do not fear” (Deuteronomy 20:3). Drawing near to conflict is framed as obedience to the covenant LORD, who fights for His people. The nearness of warriors to the line echoes the nearness of God to His covenant community; confidence in one sustains courage in the other.

Relational Nearness in Narrative

• 1 Samuel 17:41—The Philistine “came closer and closer to David,” heightening the dramatic contrast between worldly power and covenant faith.
• 2 Samuel 18:25—As the lone runner “drew near,” the king hoped for good news, illustrating expectancy attached to approaching footsteps.
• 1 Kings 4:27—Solomon’s governors supplied provisions “for King Solomon and all who came to his table,” picturing royal generosity toward those permitted near the court.

Theology of Nearness

Throughout Scripture, physical proximity often mirrors spiritual reality. Nearness to God offers life, yet wrongful approach brings death; nearness in battle demands faith, yet guarantees victory when God is with His people; nearness to the king grants favor, yet requires loyalty. All strands meet in the Gospel: in Christ, believers “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22), enjoying the privilege foreshadowed in Ezekiel while spared the dread felt in Numbers.

Ministry Implications

1. Worship: God still requires reverent approach. Biblical liturgy—prayer, confession, Word, and Table—must honor His holiness.
2. Leadership: Like Zadok’s line, spiritual leaders guard access, modeling purity and humility.
3. Mission: Believers advance into spiritual battle with the same exhortation Moses gave the army—fear not, for the LORD is near.
4. Fellowship: Royal-table imagery encourages generous hospitality to all who “come near” the household of faith.

Summary

The occurrences of קָרֵב trace a redemptive arc from guarded distance to welcomed intimacy. Whether at Sinai’s shadow, on Israel’s front lines, in Solomon’s palace, or in Ezekiel’s visionary temple, the word reminds us that true life is found in drawing near to the LORD—on His terms, through His appointed mediator.

הַקְּרֵבִ֖ים הַקְּרֵבִ֧ים הַקָּרֵ֛ב הַקָּרֵ֧ב ׀ הקרב הקרבים וְקָרֵ֖ב וְקָרֵֽב׃ וקרב וקרב׃ קְרֵבִ֥ים קרבים hakkaRev hakkereVim haq·qā·rêḇ haq·qə·rê·ḇîm haqqārêḇ haqqərêḇîm kereVim qə·rê·ḇîm qərêḇîm vekaRev wə·qā·rêḇ wəqārêḇInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts