### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chûwr**, represented by `{{H2352}}`, refers to a **hole**, the **crevice** of a serpent, or the **cell of a prison**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, making each occurrence highly significant. Its meaning shifts dramatically depending on the context, representing either a place of judgment and confinement or a sign of profound peace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H2352}}` carries two distinct connotations. In the messianic prophecy of Isaiah, it symbolizes a restored creation where "the sucking child{H3243} shall play{H8173} on the **hole**{H2352} of the asp{H6620}" [[Isaiah 11:8]]. Here, a place of mortal danger is transformed into a scene of innocence. In contrast, it is used to describe a people under judgment who are "snared{H6351} in **holes**{H2352}" and hid{H2244} in prison houses [[Isaiah 42:22]]. In this context, the hole is a trap and a symbol of defeat and captivity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H2352}}` in its different contexts:
* `{{H3975}}` **mᵉʼûwrâh** (den): This word for an aperture or **den** is used in parallel with `{{H2352}}` in the prophecy of a peaceful kingdom, reinforcing the idea of a creature's natural dwelling [[Isaiah 11:8]].
* `{{H3608}}` **keleʼ** (prison): Paired with `{{H2352}}` in the description of a captured people, this word explicitly defines the "holes" as places of confinement, like a **prison** [[Isaiah 42:22]].
* `{{H2244}}` **châbâʼ** (hid): This root describes the state of the people trapped in the holes. They are **hid** away, emphasizing their helplessness and removal from sight [[Isaiah 42:22]].
* `{{H8173}}` **shâʻaʻ** (play): The action associated with the serpent's hole in Isaiah's prophecy. That a child can **play** there illustrates the complete neutralization of threat [[Isaiah 11:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2352}}` lies in its powerful dual symbolism.
* **A Place of Judgment:** The word signifies the consequences of disobedience. The "holes" in which the people are snared are places of darkness and confinement, where a nation becomes prey{H957} and spoil{H4933} with no one to deliver{H5337} them [[Isaiah 42:22]].
* **A Place of Restored Peace:** In its prophetic use, the term illustrates a redeemed world. The danger inherent in a serpent's **hole** is removed, signifying a time when nature itself is reconciled and the curse is undone [[Isaiah 11:8]].
* **Confinement vs. Dwelling:** Ultimately, `{{H2352}}` represents a place of concealment. Context determines whether this is the punitive confinement of a prison cell or the natural, harmless dwelling of a creature in a world made safe.
### Summary
In summary, **chûwr** `{{H2352}}` is a term whose significance is defined by its immediate biblical context. In its two appearances, it paints vivid and opposing pictures. It can be a metaphor for a prison-like trap signifying judgment and defeat, or it can be a feature in a peaceful, restored creation where even the most dangerous places are made safe. The word powerfully demonstrates how the same physical reality can symbolize either divine punishment or divine peace.
TRV