the same as חוּר; white linen; network. Compare חֹר.
Transliteration:chôwr
Pronunciation:khore
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חוֹר (chôwr), Strong's `{{H2355}}`, presents a fascinating duality in its core meaning and semantic range. Derived from a root related to "whiteness" or "nobility," its primary definitions encompass "white linen" and "network." The base definition explicitly states its equivalence to חוּר (chur), `{{H2357}}`, which fundamentally means "white" or "noble." This connection underscores the inherent quality of whiteness associated with the term, often implying purity, brightness, or distinction. The second meaning, "network," suggests an intricate woven structure, possibly related to the fine threads of linen or a broader concept of interconnectedness. The comparison to חֹר (chor), `{{H2356}}`, meaning "a hole" or "a noble," further enriches its semantic field, perhaps hinting at the open weave of a network or the distinguished quality of fine material. Thus, chôwr denotes both a specific material (white linen) and a structural form (network), with underlying connotations of purity, value, and craftsmanship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word chôwr appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences vividly illustrate its distinct meanings:
1. **"White Linen"**: In [[Esther 1:6]], chôwr is used to describe the lavish hangings in King Ahasuerus's palace: "There were white, green, and blue hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble." Here, chôwr clearly refers to "white" (often understood as "white linen" due to the context of luxurious textiles) alongside other colors, contributing to the description of immense wealth and royal splendor. This usage aligns perfectly with the "white linen" aspect of its definition, emphasizing opulence and status. White linen was a highly valued commodity, signifying purity, luxury, and high social standing in the ancient Near East.
2. **"Network"**: In [[Isaiah 19:9]], chôwr takes on its other primary meaning: "Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded." This verse is part of a prophecy concerning the judgment upon Egypt, where the industries of the land will be brought to ruin. The parallel with "fine flax" (שֵׁשׁ, `{{H8336}}`) strongly suggests that "networks" refers to intricate woven goods, perhaps fine fabrics, lace, or even fishing nets, which were significant to Egypt's economy. In this context, chôwr denotes the product of skilled human labor and industry, which, like other human endeavors, is subject to divine will and judgment. The "network" here implies a complex, perhaps even fragile, human construct.
These two occurrences demonstrate the term's semantic breadth, from a specific material signifying luxury to a general term for intricate woven structures representing human industry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of chôwr is enriched by examining its lexical kin and related conceptual fields:
* **חוּר (chur)** `{{H2357}}`: As noted in the base definition, chôwr is "the same as" chur. This primary root signifies "white" or "noble," reinforcing the idea of purity, brightness, and distinction inherent in chôwr. The connection highlights the qualitative aspect of the "white linen" and potentially the "fine" quality of the "network."
* **חֹר (chor)** `{{H2356}}`: This related term can mean "a hole" or "a noble." While "a hole" might seem disparate, it could conceptually link to "network" if one considers the open spaces within a woven pattern. The meaning "a noble" provides another semantic bridge to chur (`{{H2357}}`) and the concept of distinction and purity often associated with white.
* **Linen and Fine Materials**: Other Hebrew words for linen or fine fabrics include בּוּץ (buts) `{{H949}}` (fine linen, often purple) and שֵׁשׁ (shesh) `{{H8336}}` (fine linen, often associated with priestly garments or tabernacle furnishings). The use of chôwr in [[Esther 1:6]] specifically for "white" hangings distinguishes it from other types or colors of linen, emphasizing the color's significance.
* **Color Symbolism**: The concept of "white" (לָבָן, `{{H3835}}`) throughout the Bible often symbolizes purity, righteousness, holiness, and divine glory (e.g., priestly garments, angelic appearances, garments of the redeemed). The "white linen" of chôwr participates in this rich symbolic tradition.
* **Craftsmanship and Industry**: The "network" aspect of chôwr in [[Isaiah 19:9]] connects to broader concepts of human skill, labor, and economic activity. This stands in contrast to divine power and sovereignty, especially in prophetic contexts where human endeavors are shown to be transient.
### Theological Significance
Though infrequent, the occurrences of chôwr carry theological weight through their symbolic associations:
* **Purity and Holiness**: The "white linen" aspect of chôwr aligns with the biblical symbolism of white as representing purity, righteousness, and holiness. While its use in Esther is primarily for royal display, the underlying symbolic resonance of white in the broader biblical narrative (e.g., the fine linen of the saints in Revelation, the white garments of priests) lends a subtle theological dimension even to its secular application. It speaks to an ideal state of being or appearance.
* **Human Endeavor and Divine Sovereignty**: The "network" in [[Isaiah 19:9]] serves as a potent symbol of human industry and skill. In the context of a prophecy of judgment against Egypt, the destruction of those who "weave networks" underscores the transience and ultimate vulnerability of human achievements when confronted by divine judgment. It highlights the principle that all human enterprise, no matter how intricate or productive, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. This serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on God and the futility of trusting in human strength or ingenuity alone.
* **Divine Order vs. Human Pride**: The contrast between the lavish display in Esther (human pride and wealth) and the judgment in Isaiah (divine dismantling of human industry) implicitly frames chôwr within the larger biblical narrative of God's relationship with humanity. The word, in its two distinct applications, points to both the beauty and value of created things (like fine linen) and the limitations and ultimate emptiness of human endeavors when separated from divine purpose.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חוֹר (chôwr), `{{H2355}}`, is a lexically rich term primarily denoting "white linen" and "network." Rooted in the concept of "whiteness" or "nobility" (via `{{H2357}}`), it signifies both a material of high value and a complex structure. In [[Esther 1:6]], chôwr describes the luxurious "white" hangings of a royal palace, symbolizing wealth, status, and purity. In [[Isaiah 19:9]], it refers to "networks" woven by Egyptian craftsmen, representing human industry and skill destined for destruction under divine judgment. Theologically, chôwr contributes to the biblical symbolism of purity and distinction through "white linen," while the "network" aspect underscores the transient nature of human endeavors in the face of God's sovereignty. Though found in only two verses, chôwr effectively bridges the realms of material culture, symbolic purity, and the theological tension between human achievement and divine omnipotence.
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