קֹר
𐤒𐤓
qôr
H7120 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Physical sensation or condition characterized by low temperature; the state or quality of being cold, particularly in reference to weather or wind. The term denotes literal coldness, such as chilliness or a cool breeze, and may also be used metaphorically to connote a lack of warmth or vitality in poetic contexts.
Semantic Range
coldness, cold weather, chill, chilliness, coolness (physical); the sensation or state of being cold
Root / Etymology
From the root קר (k-r), which carries the core meaning of 'coldness' or 'to be cold.' The form קֹר is a substantive, likely derived directly from this root, serving as the noun for 'cold' or 'coolness.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word קֹר occurs infrequently in the Hebrew Bible and when used, almost exclusively refers to the literal sensation or state of cold. An example is in Genesis 8:22, where it is paired with חֹרֶף (ḥōref, 'winter'), emphasizing the regular alternation of heat and cold in the natural world. Unlike related forms such as קָרִיר (qarir), which denotes 'cool' or 'refreshing,' קֹר specifically evokes a sense of chill. In translation, English 'cold' captures the literal meaning; however, קֹר lacks the metaphorical or emotional resonances (such as 'emotional coldness') more frequently found in other languages. There is no evidence that the term was used for interpersonal relationships, religious states, or as a personal name in biblical Hebrew. Its semantic field remained largely static from the early to later biblical periods, with continued use in post-biblical Hebrew, though poetic and metaphorical uses increased in later Hebrew literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as קַר; cold; cold.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קר (q-r) — to be cold, coldness, coolness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7120-01 |
וְ/קֹ֨ר | veqor | HC/Ncmsa |
and cold | coldness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7120-01 |
Genesis 8:22 | וְ/קֹ֨ר | veqor | HC/Ncmsa |
and cold | coldness |