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Encounter, Befall

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• קָרָא

Qârâ' (קָרָא, Strong's #7122), “to encounter, befall.” Qârâ' represents an intentional confrontation, whereby one person is immediately before another person. This might be a friendly confrontation, in which friend intentionally “meets” friend; so the kings of the valley came out to “meet” Abram upon his return from defeating the marauding army of Chedorlaomer (Gen. 14:17). A host may go forth to “meet” a prospective ally (Josh. 9:11; 2 Sam. 19:15). In cultic contexts, one “meets” God or “is met” by God (Exod. 5:3).

Qârâ' may also be used of hostile “confrontation.” In military contexts, the word often represents the “confrontation” of two forces to do battle (Josh. 8:5); so Israel is told: “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12). This verb infrequently may represent an “accidental meeting,” so it is sometimes translated “befall” (Gen. 42:4).