from חָצוֹר and a Aramaizing form of the feminine of חָדָשׁ (compare חֲדָת); new Chatsor, a place in Palestine; Hazor, Hadattah (as if two places).
Transliteration:Châtsôwr Chădattâh
Pronunciation:khaw-tsore' khad-attaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2675}}`, *Châtsôwr Chădattâh*, is a compound proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its etymology is derived from two components: `{{H2674}}` (*Châtsôwr*), meaning "enclosure" or "village," and a form related to `{{H2319}}` (*châdâsh*), meaning "new." The "Aramaizing form of the feminine of חָדָשׁ" noted in the definition suggests a linguistic nuance but retains the core meaning of "new." Therefore, the most direct translation of *Châtsôwr Chădattâh* is "New Hazor" or "Hazor, the New." The parenthetical "as if two places" in the Strong's definition likely refers to the grammatical construction of the compound rather than implying two distinct geographical sites; it is understood as a single place name. This designation served to differentiate it from other places named Hazor, most notably the prominent city of Hazor in the northern kingdom. Its semantic range is strictly geographical, denoting a specific settlement within the tribal territories of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2675}}`, *Châtsôwr Chădattâh*, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:23]]: "And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan, Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth, and Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor, and Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,"
This sole occurrence places *Châtsôwr Chădattâh* within the detailed list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. The context is the meticulous division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, a central theme in the book of Joshua. Specifically, [[Joshua 15]] enumerates the cities in the Negeb (southern district) of Judah. The inclusion of *Châtsôwr Chădattâh* among these cities underscores the comprehensive nature of the land distribution, highlighting even seemingly minor settlements. Its listing alongside other towns like Kedesh, Ziph, and Kerioth indicates its status as a recognized, albeit perhaps not major, settlement within Judah's inheritance. The precise geographical detail serves to affirm the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of `{{H2675}}` connect it to several important biblical words and concepts:
* **`{{H2674}}` (Hazor):** This is the more common form, referring to multiple places named Hazor. The most famous is the large Canaanite city in the north, conquered by Joshua (e.g., [[Joshua 11:10-11]]). The addition of "Hadattah" to this southern Hazor (`{{H2675}}`) was crucial for disambiguation, distinguishing it from other Hazors. This highlights the ancient practice of adding descriptive qualifiers to place names to differentiate them.
* **`{{H2319}}` (chadash):** The root from which "Hadattah" is derived, meaning "new" or "to renew." While in this context it simply describes a place as "new" (perhaps a newly established settlement or a renewed one), the concept of "newness" in the Bible often carries theological weight, particularly in relation to God's acts of creation, covenant, and redemption (e.g., "new heavens and a new earth," "a new heart"). However, for `{{H2675}}`, its usage is purely descriptive of the place.
* **Tribal Allotments:** The broader context of `{{H2675}}` is the division of the land of Canaan, a foundational act in Israel's history. This process, detailed in the book of Joshua, signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham ([[Genesis 12:7]]) and his descendants. The meticulous listing of cities, including *Châtsôwr Chădattâh*, testifies to the divine precision and faithfulness in establishing Israel in their inheritance.
* **Toponymy:** The study of place names reveals much about ancient geography, history, and culture. The name *Châtsôwr Chădattâh* is an example of a descriptive toponym, providing information (its "newness" or distinction from other Hazors) about the settlement itself.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, the theological significance of `{{H2675}}` is not found in a deep symbolic meaning of the word itself, but rather in its contribution to the larger biblical narrative and its implications for God's character and actions.
1. **Divine Faithfulness:** The very existence of *Châtsôwr Chădattâh* in the detailed list of Judah's inheritance in [[Joshua 15]] serves as tangible evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. He promised Abraham land, and through Joshua, He meticulously delivered on that promise, down to the specific cities and their boundaries. This meticulous detail underscores the reliability and precision of God's word.
2. **Historical Veracity:** The inclusion of such specific, often obscure, place names lends historical credibility to the biblical account. These are not vague, generalized descriptions but concrete geographical markers, suggesting a historical reality behind the narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.
3. **God's Sovereignty in Establishing His People:** The division of the land was not a random act but a divinely orchestrated process. Each tribe, including Judah with its allotment containing *Châtsôwr Chădattâh*, received its portion according to God's design. This speaks to God's sovereign hand in establishing and ordering His people within their designated sphere.
### Summary
`{{H2675}}`, *Châtsôwr Chădattâh*, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "New Hazor" or "Hazor, Hadattah." It is a specific geographical place name, appearing only once in the biblical text, in [[Joshua 15:23]]. Here, it is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Negeb district, serving as a precise geographical marker within the detailed account of the land's distribution. While the word itself carries no inherent theological symbolism, its inclusion in the biblical record profoundly underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel regarding their inheritance of the land. It stands as a testament to the meticulousness of divine providence and the historical veracity of the biblical narrative concerning Israel's settlement in Canaan.
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