or (shortened) חֹר; the same as חוּר; a cavity, socket, den; cave, hole.
Transliteration:chôwr
Pronunciation:khore
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma chôwr (חוֹר, `{{H2356}}`), sometimes appearing in its shortened form chôr (חֹר), fundamentally denotes a "cavity," "hole," or "hollow place." Its base definition explicitly links it to chûr (חוּר), suggesting a shared etymological root often associated with the concept of hollowing out or perhaps a bleached, empty space. The semantic range of chôwr is quite broad, encompassing:
* **Physical openings or perforations:** This can include a deliberate hole bored into an object, a natural crevice, or a window-like opening.
* **Natural cavities:** Such as a cave, a den for wild animals, or a rock shelter.
* **Anatomical sockets:** Specifically, the hollow space in which an organ, like the eye, rests.
The word describes a void or an enclosed space, often serving as a dwelling, a place of concealment, or a point of passage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chôwr (`{{H2356}}`) appears in several significant contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
* **Places of concealment or refuge:** In [[1 Samuel 14:11]], the Philistines speak of the "holes" (crevices or hiding places) from which the Israelites might emerge. Similarly, [[Isaiah 42:22]] describes people "trapped in holes" (prisons or hiding places), emphasizing a state of confinement or helplessness.
* **Animal dwellings:** The word is used to describe the lair or den of an animal. [[Isaiah 11:8]] speaks of a weaned child putting his hand on the "cobra's den," a powerful image of peace in the Messianic era. [[Nahum 2:12]] (MT 2:13) vividly portrays the lion filling its "dens" with prey, illustrating its predatory nature and provision for its young.
* **Constructed openings:** In [[2 Kings 12:9]] (MT 12:10), Jehoiada the priest "bored a hole" in the lid of a chest for collecting temple offerings, indicating a deliberate, man-made opening for a specific purpose. [[Song of Solomon 5:4]] mentions the beloved putting his hand "by the hole of the door," likely referring to a latch-hole or an opening through which the door could be unbarred.
* **Anatomical structures:** Perhaps the most striking usage is in [[Zechariah 14:12]], which describes a horrific plague where "their eyes will rot in their sockets," highlighting the word's application to a specific anatomical cavity and underscoring the severity of divine judgment.
Across these occurrences, chôwr consistently refers to a physical cavity, whether natural or artificial, and its specific function or implication is derived from the surrounding narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary relationship of chôwr (`{{H2356}}`) is to the root chûr (חוּר). While chûr can also refer to "white linen" (`{{H2352}}`) or "noble" (`{{H2353}}`), the connection to chôwr in the base definition is primarily etymological, pointing to a shared idea of "hollowing out" or "emptying," possibly even "bleaching" (as in a hollowed-out, bleached rock). This distinguishes it from the homonymous terms for nobility or color.
Other Hebrew words that convey similar concepts of "cave" or "den" include:
* m'arah (מְעָרָה, `{{H4631}}`): This is the most common Hebrew word for a "cave," often a natural rock shelter.
* gôr (גּוֹר, `{{H1475}}`): Can refer to a "den" or "lair" for animals, especially lions.
* machba' (מַחְבָּא, `{{H4224}}`): A "hiding place" or "secret place," emphasizing concealment.
Conceptually, chôwr relates to themes of refuge, concealment, vulnerability, dwelling, and the physical spaces within creation.
### Theological Significance
While chôwr (`{{H2356}}`) is a concrete noun describing a physical space, its usage in biblical narratives often carries implicit theological weight:
* **Human Vulnerability and Futility of Hiding:** The seeking of "holes" or "caves" as refuge ([[Isaiah 42:22]]) can underscore human vulnerability in the face of divine judgment or overwhelming power. It implicitly contrasts the limited, temporary nature of earthly hiding places with the omnipresence and inescapable justice of God. Conversely, God is often presented as the ultimate refuge, a "strong tower" rather than a mere "hole."
* **Divine Order in Creation:** The description of animal dens ([[Isaiah 11:8]], [[Nahum 2:12]]) contributes to the biblical portrayal of the created order, where God provides for and sustains all living creatures, even the wild beasts. The "cobra's den" in [[Isaiah 11:8]] is particularly significant, symbolizing the radical transformation and peace that will characterize the Messianic kingdom, where even dangerous creatures will be rendered harmless.
* **Consequences of Sin and Judgment:** The graphic depiction of eyes rotting in their "sockets" ([[Zechariah 14:12]]) serves as a stark image of divine judgment and the physical decay that can result from rebellion against God. It highlights the severity of God's justice and the tangible consequences of sin.
* **Human Agency and Purpose:** The "hole" bored for offerings ([[2 Kings 12:9]]) demonstrates human ingenuity and purpose within the context of worship and temple maintenance, showing how even mundane physical details serve the broader divine economy.
Thus, chôwr contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical imagery, often providing a concrete backdrop for profound spiritual truths about humanity's relationship with God, the nature of creation, and the outworking of divine justice and grace.
### Summary
The Hebrew word chôwr (חוֹר, `{{H2356}}`) denotes a "cavity," "hole," "den," or "socket." Derived from a root suggesting "hollowing out," its semantic range encompasses natural formations like caves and animal dens, man-made openings such as bored holes or latch-holes, and anatomical features like eye sockets. Biblical occurrences illustrate its use in contexts of refuge and concealment, animal habitation, human construction, and the vivid portrayal of divine judgment. While primarily a descriptive term for a physical space, chôwr serves as a vital component in narratives that convey deeper theological themes. It underscores human vulnerability, the futility of hiding from divine presence, the order and transformation within creation, and the tangible realities through which God's power and justice are revealed.
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