### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term chûwr (חוּר), Strong's number `{{H2353}}`, is derived from the root חָוַר (châvar, `{{H2357}}`), meaning "to be white" or "to grow white." Consequently, chûwr primarily signifies the color "white" or, more specifically, "white linen" or "white fabric." Its semantic range thus encompasses both the achromatic color itself and the material object characterized by this color, particularly in contexts of luxury, purity, or high status. The distinction between the color and the material is often fluid, with the whiteness being the defining characteristic of the fabric.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chûwr (`{{H2353}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Esther, where it consistently denotes luxury and royal splendor.
* In [[Esther 1:6]], chûwr is used in conjunction with "blue" (תכלת) to describe the opulent hangings in the palace garden of King Ahasuerus: "There were white and blue hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars." Here, chûwr refers to the white color of the fabric used in the royal decor, emphasizing the lavishness of the Persian court.
* In [[Esther 8:15]], chûwr describes part of the royal attire bestowed upon Mordecai after his exaltation: "And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad." In this context, "blue and white" (תכלת וחור) likely refers to the colors of the royal robes, with chûwr specifically indicating the white component. The subsequent mention of "fine linen" (בוץ, `{{H948}}`) further reinforces the idea that chûwr here denotes a high-quality white fabric, symbolizing Mordecai's newfound honor, authority, and the king's favor. These occurrences highlight chûwr as an indicator of wealth, status, and the magnificent display of royal power in the Persian Empire.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root חָוַר (châvar, `{{H2357}}`) from which chûwr is derived, emphasizes the inherent quality of whiteness. Other significant terms related to "white" or "fine linen" in the Hebrew Bible include:
* לָבָן (lavan, `{{H3835}}`): The most common Hebrew word for the color "white," appearing in various contexts from the color of snow ([[Psalm 51:7]]) to the whiteness of leprosy ([[Leviticus 13:3]]).
* בּוּץ (bûts, `{{H948}}`): "Fine linen," often associated with royal attire or the wealthy, as seen in [[Esther 8:15]] where it is paired with chûwr. It denotes a high-quality, expensive fabric.
* שֵׁשׁ (shesh, `{{H8336}}`): Another term for "fine linen," frequently used to describe the materials for the Tabernacle and priestly garments, emphasizing purity and sacredness ([[Exodus 26:31]], [[Exodus 28:5]]).
* Concepts associated with chûwr and its related terms include purity, holiness, royalty, majesty, honor, and divine favor.
### Theological Significance
While chûwr (`{{H2353}}`) itself is limited to descriptions of royal splendor in Esther, its underlying meaning of "white" carries profound theological significance throughout the broader biblical narrative. The color white is consistently employed as a potent symbol of:
* **Purity and Righteousness:** White garments often represent moral purity and spiritual cleansing, as seen in the promise of being made "whiter than snow" ([[Psalm 51:7]]) or the "white robes" of the redeemed in Revelation ([[Revelation 3:4-5]], [[Revelation 7:9]]).
* **Holiness and Divine Presence:** Priestly garments were often made of fine white linen, signifying the holiness required for approaching God ([[Exodus 28:39]]). Divine beings and manifestations of God's glory are sometimes described with elements of dazzling whiteness, such as the white raiment of Christ at the Transfiguration ([[Mark 9:3]]).
* **Honor and Triumph:** White can symbolize victory and exaltation, as seen in the rider on a white horse who goes forth conquering ([[Revelation 6:2]]). Mordecai's donning of "blue and white" robes in [[Esther 8:15]] signifies his triumph over Haman and his elevation to a position of honor and authority, reflecting the providential turn of events orchestrated by God. Thus, even in its secular context in Esther, chûwr contributes to a visual vocabulary that, in the wider scriptural context, speaks to divine order, justice, and the ultimate vindication of the righteous.
### Summary
The Hebrew word chûwr (חוּר, `{{H2353}}`) denotes "white" or "white linen," derived from the root meaning "to be white." Its usage is confined to the book of Esther, where it consistently describes luxurious white fabrics or the color white in royal settings, signifying opulence, high status, and honor, as seen in the palace hangings ([[Esther 1:6]]) and Mordecai's royal attire ([[Esther 8:15]]). Although its specific occurrences are limited, chûwr participates in the broader biblical symbolism of the color white, which universally represents purity, holiness, divine presence, and triumph. In Esther, it visually underscores the themes of divine providence and the restoration of dignity within the narrative of the Jewish people.
TRV