from an unused root meaning to cover; a cove (as a sheltered bay); coast (of the sea), haven, shore, (sea-) side.
Transliteration:chôwph
Pronunciation:khofe
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2348 (חוֹף, *chôwph*) denotes the edge or boundary of a body of water, specifically the sea. Its etymology traces to an unused root meaning "to cover," which lends a nuanced sense of a sheltered or protected area, such as a "cove" or "haven." This primary meaning expands semantically to encompass the broader concepts of "coast," "shore," or "seaside." While the root suggests a place of refuge or enclosure, the predominant usage of *chôwph* in the biblical text is descriptive of the geographical interface between land and sea, marking a border or a region. The inherent idea of "covering" or "sheltering" might subtly allude to the protective nature of a bay or the land shielding the sea.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *chôwph* appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to the seacoast or shore.
* In [[Genesis 49:13]], Jacob prophesies concerning Zebulun, stating that he "shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for a haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon." Here, *chôwph* is used twice, emphasizing Zebulun's coastal inheritance and its function as a port for maritime activity, directly connecting the land's boundary with the sea.
* [[Deuteronomy 1:7]] instructs Israel to go to the "seacoast of the Canaanites," indicating a specific geographical region that defines the western boundary of the promised land.
* [[Judges 5:17]], in the Song of Deborah, critiques the tribe of Dan for remaining in their "ships" and Asher for abiding at the "seacoast," highlighting their preoccupation with maritime pursuits or coastal dwelling rather than joining the battle against Sisera. This context underscores *chôwph* as the natural habitat or sphere of activity for certain tribes.
* The term also appears in prophetic judgments. [[Jeremiah 47:7]] speaks of the Lord's command against Ashkelon and the "seacoast," indicating these coastal cities as targets of divine wrath. Similarly, [[Ezekiel 25:16]] pronounces judgment upon the Cherethites and the "seacoast," again identifying coastal regions as places subject to God's sovereign intervention and justice.
In all these instances, *chôwph* functions as a concrete geographical descriptor, delineating territory, describing dwelling places, and marking sites of divine action. Its usage is consistently literal, referring to the physical edge of the sea.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of *chôwph* naturally relates to several other Hebrew terms and ideas:
* **Sea:** The most direct relation is to `{{H3220}}` (*yam*), the general term for "sea" or "large body of water," of which *chôwph* is the terrestrial boundary.
* **Land/Earth:** `{{H776}}` (*'erets*) often stands in contrast or conjunction with *chôwph*, as the *chôwph* is the edge of the *'erets* where it meets the *yam*.
* **Boundary/Border:** `{{H1366}}` (*gevul*) is a closely associated concept, as *chôwph* frequently defines a territorial boundary, particularly for the tribes of Israel.
* **Port/Harbor:** While *chôwph* can imply a "haven" for ships, the more specific term for a "port" or "harbor" might be related to places of anchorage or landing. The idea of "ships" (`{{H591}}` *oniyah*) is directly linked to *chôwph* in passages like [[Genesis 49:13]] and [[Judges 5:17]].
* **Refuge/Shelter:** While not explicitly used as such, the etymological root of "to cover" links *chôwph* conceptually to words signifying "refuge" or "shelter," such as `{{H4268}}` (*machaseh*) or `{{H2620}}` (*chasah*, "to trust, seek refuge"), though its biblical usage leans away from this metaphorical sense.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *chôwph* stems primarily from its role as a divinely established boundary and a locus for God's covenantal and sovereign actions:
* **Divine Order in Creation:** The separation of land from sea, marked by the *chôwph*, is a fundamental act of creation ([[Genesis 1:9-10]]). It signifies God's ordering of the cosmos, setting limits for the chaotic waters ([[Job 38:8-11]], [[Proverbs 8:29]]). The *chôwph* thus stands as a testament to God's power and wisdom in establishing boundaries.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant and Inheritance:** For Israel, the "seacoast" often defines the promised land's extent ([[Deuteronomy 1:7]]), particularly for tribes like Zebulun and Asher. The allocation of coastal territories signifies the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham's descendants.
* **Sphere of Divine Judgment:** Coastal regions, often inhabited by foreign nations (Philistines, Cherethites), are frequently depicted as targets of God's judgment ([[Jeremiah 47:7]], [[Ezekiel 25:16]]). This demonstrates God's universal sovereignty, not only over Israel but over all nations and territories, even those at the furthest edges of the known world.
* **Human Activity Under Divine Providence:** The *chôwph* is a place of human dwelling, trade, and maritime activity. Even in these spheres of human endeavor, the biblical narrative implicitly asserts that all activity occurs under the watchful eye and providential control of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2348 (חוֹף, *chôwph*) primarily denotes the "coast," "shore," or "seaside," serving as a geographical term for the boundary between land and sea. While its etymological root suggests a meaning of "to cover" or "shelter," implying a "cove" or "haven," its consistent biblical usage is literal, describing the physical edge of a body of water. *Chôwph* is crucial in defining tribal inheritances, marking the extent of the promised land, and identifying regions subject to divine judgment. Theologically, it underscores God's ordering power in creation, His faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises, and His universal sovereignty over all nations and their territories. It stands as a concrete reminder of divinely appointed boundaries and the reach of God's providential hand.
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