Bible Dictionary
Kareah
Kareah, meaning “bald,” was the father of Johanan and Jonathan. His sons supported Gedaliah, the Babylonian governor, after Jerusalem’s fall.
Definition
Kareah, meaning “bald” or “bald head,” was the father of Johanan and Jonathan. His sons joined Gedaliah after the fall of Jerusalem and supported his authority for a time.
Biblical Usage
Kareah is mentioned in the accounts of the remnant gathered around Gedaliah, the Babylonian governor. His sons later appear in events following Gedaliah’s murder and in the movement of the surviving people.
Historical Background
The events occurred after Jerusalem’s fall and before or around 588 B.C. Kareah’s family belonged to the community dealing with the Babylonian administration in Judah.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Bald, the father of Johanan and Jonathan, who for a time were loyal to Gedaliah, the Babylonian governor of Jerusalem (Jer. 40:8, 13, 15, 16).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(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.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ka-re'-a (qareach, "bald head"): The father of Johanan and Jonathan, who after the fall of Jerusalem joined Gedaliah at Mizpah (2Ki 25:23; Jer 40:8).</p>