a primitive root; properly, to inclose (as a room), i.e. (by analogy,) to beset (as in a siege); enter a privy chamber.
Transliteration:châdar
Pronunciation:khaw-dar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2314 (חָדַר, *châdar*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to enclose" or "to shut in." This foundational sense extends analogously to several related concepts:
* **Physical Enclosure/Entry:** Primarily, it denotes the action of entering into or being within a confined space, such as a room or chamber. The base definition explicitly references entering a "privy chamber," suggesting a private or secluded space.
* **Besetment/Siege:** By extension, the act of "enclosing" can refer to surrounding or hemming in, particularly in a hostile manner, akin to a siege. This implies a state of being pressed upon, constrained, or overwhelmed.
* **Penetration/Invasion:** In its biblical usage, H2314 often conveys the idea of something penetrating or invading an enclosed space, emphasizing a lack of refuge or security within.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H2314 is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing primarily in its Piel stem. Its limited occurrences, however, carry significant weight:
* **Deuteronomy 32:25**: "Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers terror..." Here, the word refers to the "chambers" (מֵחֲדָרִים, *meḥadarim*), emphasizing inner, private rooms. The context is God's judgment upon Israel, where calamity and terror will penetrate even the most intimate and seemingly secure spaces. This underscores the inescapable nature of divine retribution, affecting both public and private spheres.
* **Ezekiel 21:14**: "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and clap your hands; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain. It is the sword for the great slaughter, which enters into their chambers..." Similar to Deuteronomy, "chambers" (חַדְרֵיהֶם, *ḥadreyhem*) here denotes the innermost, private parts of a dwelling. The imagery is of a devastating sword that penetrates deeply, leaving no sanctuary, not even in one's most private and presumed secure quarters. This reinforces the theme of comprehensive and inescapable judgment and destruction.
In both instances, H2314 highlights the idea of an external force (sword, terror) entering or affecting an enclosed, private space, signifying a complete lack of safety or refuge from the impending disaster.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and frequently occurring related word is the noun form derived from this root, `{{H2315}}` (חֶדֶר, *cheder*), meaning "room," "chamber," or "inner chamber." This noun directly reflects the core meaning of an enclosed space and is far more common in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., [[Genesis 43:30]], [[Judges 3:24]], [[Song of Solomon 1:4]]). While `{{H2315}}` refers to the *place*, H2314 describes the *action* of entering or affecting such a place.
Conceptually, H2314 relates to verbs of "entering" (e.g., `{{H935}}`, בּוֹא, *bo'*) or "surrounding" (e.g., `{{H5437}}`, סָבַב, *savav*). However, H2314 carries the specific nuance of entering a *private* or *enclosed* space, often with an implication of violation or inescapable penetration when used in contexts of judgment. Its usage for "besetting" or "besieging" connects it to terms related to military encirclement or distress, though its direct verbal usage for siege is less prominent than its noun form for "chamber."
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent occurrences of H2314 in the Hebrew Bible underscore a profound theological truth: there is no hiding place from God's presence, His omniscience, or His judgment. Even the most private or seemingly secure "chambers" (חֶדֶר, `{{H2315}}`) cannot offer refuge from divine wrath or the inevitable consequences of sin.
In [[Deuteronomy 32:25]] and [[Ezekiel 21:14]], the word emphasizes the totality and invasiveness of God's judgment. It implies that destruction will not merely touch the periphery but will penetrate to the deepest, most intimate parts of life and society. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to reach into every aspect of existence, leaving no aspect untouched by His righteous decrees. While the noun `{{H2315}}` can also refer to a place of intimacy (e.g., with a beloved in [[Song of Solomon 1:4]]), the verb H2314 itself, in its limited biblical usage, leans heavily towards the negative implications of invasion and inescapable judgment, especially when associated with the "sword" or "terror."
### Summary
The Hebrew root H2314 (חָדַר, *châdar*) fundamentally means "to enclose" or "to shut in." Its primary semantic extensions include entering a private chamber and, by analogy, besetting or besieging. While rare in its verbal form, its occurrences in [[Deuteronomy 32:25]] and [[Ezekiel 21:14]] powerfully convey the idea of an inescapable penetration into the most private and secure spaces, particularly in the context of divine judgment. This highlights the comprehensive reach of God's justice, demonstrating that no individual or society can find refuge from His righteous decrees, even in their innermost chambers. The related noun `{{H2315}}` (חֶדֶר) more frequently denotes the physical "chamber" itself, making the verb H2314 the action of entering or affecting such a space, often with a sense of invasive force.
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