Brief Overview of Κόρε (Strong’s G2879: Kore)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding specific Greek words like Κόρε (Kore) is crucial for biblical studies, as they often carry deep historical and theological significance. The name Kore appears in Jude 1:11 in the New Testament, referencing a pivotal event in the Old Testament that symbolizes rebellion against God’s appointed leadership. The story of Kore, or Korah in the Hebrew Scriptures, is essential for interpreting the gravity of the warning in Jude, which cautions against the dangers of rebellion and disobedience. Knowing the cultural and religious context behind the word helps both scholars and readers better grasp the narrative’s underlying themes of authority, judgment, and divine order in both Testaments.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: Κόρε, transliterated as Kore [KOH-ray].

Etymology: The name Kore is derived from the Hebrew name קֹרַח (Qorach), which is traditionally transliterated into Greek as Κόρε. The Hebrew word means “bald” or “ice,” but its significance lies more in the narrative association with the rebellion of Korah against Moses and Aaron as recorded in Numbers 16.

Part of Speech: Proper noun. It is a masculine singular name used specifically to refer to a person, namely Korah, who led a rebellion against the authority of Moses in the wilderness. The word follows the declension patterns typical of Greek proper nouns.

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Defining Meanings

1. Personal Name – Korah: The primary meaning of Kore is as a proper name, referring specifically to Korah, a Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
2. Symbol of Rebellion: Beyond a mere personal name, Kore is symbolically loaded within the biblical context, representing insubordination and defiance against God’s chosen leaders. In Jude 1:11, the “way of Korah” is used to warn against similar behavior among believers.
3. Warning of Judgment: The usage of Kore in the New Testament serves as a theological emblem for divine judgment and serves as a cautionary reference in Jude to those who might challenge divine authority.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Δαθάν (Dathan) [dah-THAN]: Another name associated with rebellion in the wilderness, Dathan, along with Kore, participated in the insurrection against Moses and Aaron. The narrative of Dathan reinforces the consequences of challenging God’s ordained leaders.
2. Αβιρών (Abiron) [ah-bee-RON]: Also known as Abiram, he was another figure involved in the rebellion alongside Kore. The name signifies the company Kore kept and highlights a broader narrative of disobedience.
3. Φαραώ (Pharaoh) [fah-RA-oh]: While Pharaoh is a different type of antagonist, his name, like Kore, is associated with resistance to God’s plans, showcasing how certain names in biblical texts are imbued with specific connotations of rebellion.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative Singular: Κόρε
• Genitive Singular: Κόρης
• Dative Singular: Κόρῃ
• Accusative Singular: Κόρην

Declension: Kore follows the typical first declension pattern of Greek nouns. Here is a declension table for reference:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The name Kore appears in Jude 1:11 to evoke the narrative of Korah’s rebellion found in the Old Testament, specifically in Numbers 16. Lexicons agree that this reference serves as a stern warning against spiritual defiance and the consequences of leading others astray from divine authority. The theological implications of using Kore in the New Testament highlight the gravity of rebellion within the community of believers and underscore the consistency of divine judgment across both testaments. Additionally, the name Kore’s presence serves as a literary device to draw parallels between past rebellions and present warnings in the epistles. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Jude 1:11: “Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of [Kore].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word Kore holds significant weight in both biblical interpretation and ancient Jewish culture. Its usage in Jude 1:11 reflects a continuity of divine principles concerning authority and obedience. The term’s historical and theological implications offer readers a powerful example of the consequences of spiritual rebellion, reinforcing core themes of divine justice and order.

Did You Know?

1. Kore or Korah’s rebellion is considered one of the gravest acts of defiance in the wilderness narrative, leading to an unprecedented divine judgment where the earth swallowed up the rebels.
2. In Jewish tradition, Korah is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and pride against God’s chosen leaders.
3. The use of the name Kore in the New Testament shows how early Christian writings utilized well-known Old Testament stories to teach moral and theological lessons to the early Church.