or (shortened) חֻר; from an unused root probably meaning to bore; the crevice of a serpent; the cell of aprison; hole.
Transliteration:chûwr
Pronunciation:khoor
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2352}}` (חוּר, *chûwr*), and its shortened form חֻר (*chur*), derives from an unused root likely conveying the idea "to bore" or "to hollow out." This etymological root profoundly shapes its semantic range, pointing to spaces that are carved, dug, or naturally formed as an indentation. Its primary definitions encompass "hole," "crevice," and "cell."
The word denotes an enclosed, often narrow or deep, space. This can be a natural formation, such as the "crevice of a serpent," implying a hidden den or a place of dwelling for creatures. Conversely, it can refer to a man-made structure, specifically the "cell of a prison," highlighting a place of confinement, isolation, and often suffering. The dual application underscores the word's capacity to describe both a natural, sometimes dangerous, dwelling and a man-made, restrictive enclosure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H2352}}` appears in several significant biblical contexts, each illustrating a facet of its core meaning:
* **[[1 Samuel 14:11]]**: In this military narrative, Jonathan and his armor-bearer observe the Philistines coming out of their "holes" (חֻרִים). Here, the term likely refers to fortified positions, caves, or strategic hiding places used by soldiers. It denotes a concealed, perhaps difficult-to-access, point of emergence, emphasizing the tactical advantage of such a position.
* **[[2 Kings 12:9]] (or 2 Kings 12:10 in some versions)**: This verse describes the chest for temple offerings, specifically mentioning a "hole" (חֹר) bored into its lid. This is a functional and literal use of the word, indicating an opening through which contributions were placed. It highlights the practical application of a "bored" space.
* **[[Isaiah 11:8]]**: In the prophetic vision of the Messianic age, the text declares that "the weaned child shall put his hand on the asp's hole" (חֻר פֶּתֶן). This is a highly symbolic usage. The "hole" of the asp (a venomous serpent) represents a place of danger and death. Yet, in the transformed creation, it becomes a place of safety and peace, where even a child can play without harm. This context speaks to the radical reversal of nature's enmity under God's ultimate reign.
* **[[Jeremiah 37:16]]**: The prophet Jeremiah is cast into "the dungeon" or "cells" (חֹרוֹת) within the house of the scribe Jonathan. This usage directly aligns with the "cell of a prison" definition. It depicts a place of severe confinement, isolation, and suffering for the prophet due to his unwavering proclamation of God's word. This context underscores the word's association with oppression and physical restraint.
Across these occurrences, `{{H2352}}` consistently denotes an enclosed or recessed space, whether natural or artificial, serving purposes ranging from strategic hiding and functional openings to dangerous dens and oppressive prisons.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H2352}}` intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to enclosed spaces, confinement, and hiddenness:
* **`{{H953}}` (בּוֹר, *bor*)**: Often translated as "pit," "cistern," or "dungeon." This word frequently overlaps with `{{H2352}}` in contexts of imprisonment, as seen in Jeremiah's experience. While `{{H2352}}` emphasizes the "bored" or "crevice" aspect, `{{H953}}` typically refers to a deeper, often underground, shaft or reservoir. Both can denote places of severe confinement.
* **`{{H4631}}` (מְעָרָה, *me'arah*)**: This term refers specifically to a "cave." While a cave is a type of "hole" or "crevice," `{{H4631}}` generally implies a larger, more expansive natural dwelling, distinct from the narrower, often bored, space suggested by `{{H2352}}`.
* **`{{H5553}}` (סֶלַע, *sela'*)**: Meaning "rock" or "crag," this word can denote the natural fissures or clefts in rocks that might serve as hiding places, similar to the "crevice" aspect of `{{H2352}}`.
* **`{{H5175}}` (נָחָשׁ, *nachash*)**: "Serpent" or "snake." This word is directly related through the phrase "hole of the asp" in [[Isaiah 11:8]], highlighting the dangerous creature associated with such a dwelling.
* **`{{H4525}}` (מַסְגֵּר, *masger*)**: "Prison" or "jail." This term focuses on the institution or structure of imprisonment, whereas `{{H2352}}` in the context of a prison refers specifically to the individual "cell" or "dungeon."
Together, these words paint a picture of the various ways ancient Hebrew speakers described enclosed, often hidden or restrictive, environments. `{{H2352}}` stands out for its emphasis on a space that has been specifically "bored" or "hollowed out," whether by nature or by human hands.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2352}}` emerges primarily from its varied contexts, particularly its association with danger, confinement, and transformation:
* **Human Vulnerability and Confinement**: The "cell of a prison" (Jeremiah) powerfully symbolizes human vulnerability, suffering, and the consequences of opposition to God's will or the unjust actions of others. For Jeremiah, the "hole" was a place of deep physical and emotional distress, yet it also became a crucible for his prophetic faithfulness. This speaks to the reality of human suffering and the experience of being cut off from society or divine favor, whether justly or unjustly.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Chaos and Danger**: The "hole of the asp" in [[Isaiah 11:8]] initially represents a place of inherent danger and the chaotic elements of creation. However, its transformation into a safe playground for a child in the Messianic era underscores God's ultimate sovereignty. It signifies the radical peace and harmony that will characterize God's kingdom, where even the most dangerous aspects of creation are subdued and brought into divine order. This points to a future hope where fear and harm are abolished.
* **Hiddenness and Revelation**: The concept of a "hole" or "crevice" implies something hidden or concealed. While in [[1 Samuel 14:11]] it's a strategic hiding place, more broadly, it can metaphorically point to hidden truths, secret sins, or even the hidden wisdom of God that is progressively revealed. The act of "boring" can also symbolize the penetration into deeper truths or the exposure of what is concealed.
In sum, `{{H2352}}` moves beyond a mere physical description to evoke themes of human limitation and suffering, divine power to transform even the most hostile environments, and the ultimate triumph of peace and order under God's reign.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2352}}` (חוּר, *chûwr*) denotes a "hole," "crevice," or "cell," stemming from an unused root implying "to bore" or "to hollow out." Its semantic range encompasses both natural, often hidden, dwellings (like a serpent's crevice) and man-made, restrictive enclosures (like a prison cell).
Biblical occurrences highlight this duality: from strategic military hiding places ([[1 Samuel 14:11]]) and functional openings ([[2 Kings 12:9]]) to symbolic dens of danger transformed into places of peace ([[Isaiah 11:8]]) and literal cells of confinement for prophets ([[Jeremiah 37:16]]).
Theologically, `{{H2352}}` speaks to the realities of human vulnerability, suffering, and imprisonment, while simultaneously pointing to God's ultimate sovereignty and transformative power, particularly in the Messianic age where even the most dangerous "holes" become places of safety and peace. It reminds us of the profound contrast between human limitation and divine omnipotence, and the eventual triumph of God's harmonious kingdom.
TRV