from חָפַר; a hole; only in connection with פֵּרָה, which ought rather to be joined as one word, thus חַפַרְפֵּרָה; by reduplication from חָפַר; a burrower, i.e. probably a rat; [phrase] mole.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chăphôr**, represented by `{{H2661}}`, is defined as a burrower, likely a rat, and is used for the word **mole**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. The term is derived from a root meaning "a hole" and is specifically noted as appearing in connection with `{{H6512}}` **pêrâh**, with which it is joined to form a single concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical usage of `{{H2661}}` occurs in a prophetic declaration in [[Isaiah 2:20]]. The verse states that "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the **moles** and to the bats". Here, `{{H2661}}` appears alongside `{{H6512}}` to describe the lowly creatures to whom the worthless idols are thrown. This act symbolizes a complete rejection of man-made objects of worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from [[Isaiah 2:20]] provide crucial context for the meaning of `{{H2661}}`:
* `{{H457}}` **ʼĕlîyl** (idol): This term, meaning "good for nothing" or "an idol," describes the objects being cast away. It is used for both the idols of silver and gold in the passage [[Isaiah 2:20]].
* `{{H6512}}` **pêrâh** (mole): Defined as "a hole (as broken, i.e. dug)," this word is used in conjunction with `{{H2661}}` to create the phrase translated as "moles," emphasizing the creature's nature as a burrower [[Isaiah 2:20]].
* `{{H5847}}` **ʻăṭallêph** (bat): This word for **bat** is paired directly with "moles" as the other recipient of the rejected idols, signifying that these once-worshipped items are being discarded to creatures of the dark and unclean places [[Isaiah 2:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2661}}` is derived entirely from its singular, vivid appearance in scripture.
* **The Futility of Idolatry:** The act of throwing idols made of **gold** `{{H2091}}` and **silver** `{{H3701}}` to the moles demonstrates their ultimate worthlessness. This aligns with the prophetic theme that material wealth cannot save, as stated in [[Zephaniah 1:18]]: "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath."
* **Rejection of False Worship:** The idols were created specifically "to **worship**" `{{H7812}}`. Discarding them to burrowing animals is a powerful symbol of contempt for false worship and a reversal of what was once held sacred. This act fulfills the spirit of the command not to "bow down" `{{H7812}}` to idols [[Leviticus 26:1]].
* **The Day of Judgment:** The context of [[Isaiah 2:20]] is "that day," a time of divine judgment. The casting away of idols to the moles and bats is a consequence of this judgment, when the vanity of man's creations is exposed in the presence of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2661}}` **chăphôr** is a highly specific term whose significance is concentrated in a single, powerful image. Used with `{{H6512}}` to mean **mole**, its role in [[Isaiah 2:20]] serves as a stark illustration of judgment against idolatry. The prophetic vision of precious idols being thrown into dark holes for burrowing creatures powerfully conveys the worthlessness of man-made gods when confronted with divine reality.
TRV