Topical Encyclopedia
Kareah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the events following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. He is identified as the father of Johanan, a prominent leader among the remnant of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
Biblical References:Kareah is primarily mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. His name appears in connection with his son Johanan, who plays a significant role in the narrative concerning the remnant of Judah. The key passages that mention Kareah are found in
Jeremiah 40-43.
1.
Jeremiah 40:8 · "So they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—along with Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite—they and their men."
2.
Jeremiah 40:13-14 · Johanan, the son of Kareah, warns Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians, about a plot against his life by Ishmael son of Nethaniah. Johanan's concern for Gedaliah's safety highlights his loyalty and leadership among the people left in Judah.
3.
Jeremiah 41:11-16 · After Ishmael assassinates Gedaliah, Johanan son of Kareah leads a group to confront Ishmael and rescue the captives he had taken. This act further establishes Johanan's role as a protector and leader of the remnant.
4.
Jeremiah 42:1-3 · Johanan and the people seek guidance from the prophet Jeremiah, asking him to pray to the LORD for direction. This indicates a desire to follow God's will, reflecting the influence of Kareah's household in seeking divine guidance.
5.
Jeremiah 43:2 · Despite initially seeking Jeremiah's counsel, Johanan and the leaders, including those associated with Kareah, ultimately disobey God's command to remain in Judah, choosing instead to flee to Egypt for safety.
Historical and Theological Context:Kareah's mention in the biblical narrative is brief, yet his significance is tied to his son Johanan's actions and decisions during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. The name "Kareah" itself means "bald," though the text does not provide further details about his life or character beyond his paternal connection to Johanan.
Theologically, the account of Kareah and his son Johanan underscores themes of leadership, loyalty, and the struggle to remain faithful to God's commands amidst political and social upheaval. Johanan's initial desire to protect Gedaliah and later to seek Jeremiah's counsel reflects a tension between human initiative and divine instruction, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature.
Kareah's legacy, as seen through Johanan, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the remnant of Judah in maintaining their identity and faithfulness to God during exile and foreign domination. The narrative invites reflection on the importance of seeking and adhering to divine guidance, even when circumstances seem dire.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Kareahbald; ice
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Kareah(bald), the father of Johanan and Jonathan, who supported Gedaliah's authority and avenged his murder. (Jeremiah 40:8,13,15,16;41:11,13,14,16;42:1,8;43:2,4,5) (B.C. before 588.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Bald, the father of Johanan and Jonathan, who for a time were loyal to Gedaliah, the Babylonian governor of Jerusalem (
Jeremiah 40:8, 13, 15, 16).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KAREAHka-re'-a (qareach, "bald head"): The father of Johanan and Jonathan, who after the fall of Jerusalem joined Gedaliah at Mizpah (2 Kings 25:23Jeremiah 40:8).
Strong's Hebrew
7143. Qareach -- "bald one," a man of Judah... 7142, 7143. Qareach. 7144 . "bald one," a man of Judah. Transliteration: Qareach
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-ray'-akh) Short Definition:
Kareah.
... Careah,
Kareah.
...Library
How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea...
... Mispah. Now the rulers that were over them were Johanan, the son ofKareah,
and Jezaniah, and Seraiah, and others beside them. Now...
Index of Names and Subjects.
... Job, Book of, 49. Johanan-ben-Kareah, 308. Josiah, 75, 162, etc. Knox,
John, 266, 272. Koenig, 145. "Kurzer Hand-Commentar," 38....
And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... to remove the little remnant at Mispah to the other side of Jordan but was overtaken
by a force under Gedaliah's lieutenant, Johanan-ben-Kareah, and his...
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <....
Thesaurus
Kareah (14 Occurrences)... 13, 15, 16). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
KAREAH. ka-re'-a
... Jeremiah 40:8).
Multi-Version Concordance
Kareah (14 Occurrences). 2 Kings 25
...Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)
Kare'ah.Kareah, Kare'ah. Kariathiarius . Multi-Version Concordance
Kare'ah (14 Occurrences). 2 Kings 25:23 Now when all the captains...
Joha'nan (25 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son ofKareah, and Seraiah...
Johanan (31 Occurrences)
... jo-ha'-nan (yochanan, "Yahweh has been gracious"; Ioanan; compare JEHOHANAN): (1)
Son ofKareah, and one of "the captains of the forces who were in the fields...
Ish'mael (40 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son ofKareah, and Seraiah...
Nethani'ah (20 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son ofKareah, and Seraiah...
Gedali'ah (28 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son ofKareah, and Seraiah...
Nethaniah (20 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son ofKareah, and Seraiah...
Gedaliah (31 Occurrences)
... the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son ofKareah, and Seraiah...
Mizpah (42 Occurrences)
... including the king's daughters, and attempted to convey them away to the Ammonites,
an attempt that was frustrated by Johanan, son ofKareah (Jeremiah 40...
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