or (fully) חוֹר; from חָרַר; (compare חֹרִי); properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank); noble.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chôr**, represented by `{{H2715}}`, signifies a person of high rank or **noble** status. The base definition suggests a figurative meaning derived from being "white or pure," leading to its use for the nobility. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently referring to individuals in positions of leadership and social prominence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2715}}` is consistently used to identify the ruling class or aristocracy. In the book of Nehemiah, the **nobles** are frequently mentioned alongside rulers, where they are gathered for tasks like defense [[Nehemiah 4:14]], rebuked for social injustices like usury [[Nehemiah 5:7]] and profaning the Sabbath [[Nehemiah 13:17]], and assembled for a genealogical count [[Nehemiah 7:5]]. The term also appears in accounts of judgment and political turmoil, such as when Jezebel incited the **nobles** to act against Naboth [[1 Kings 21:8]] or when the **nobles** of Judah were slain or carried away into Babylonian captivity ([[Jeremiah 39:6]], [[Jeremiah 27:20]]). Conversely, Ecclesiastes presents the positive case of a land being blessed when its king is the "son of **nobles**" [[Ecclesiastes 10:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the structure of leadership in which the **nobles** operate:
* `{{H2205}}` **zâqên** (elder): Defined as an **old** or **aged** person, this term often signifies a position of community leadership based on experience. It is used alongside **nobles** in the plot against Naboth [[1 Kings 21:8]] and can refer to revered ancestors [[Genesis 25:8]] and civic officials like the **elders** of Israel [[Exodus 3:18]].
* `{{H5461}}` **çâgân** (ruler): This term, meaning a **prefect** or **ruler**, frequently appears in direct partnership with **nobles**. Nehemiah repeatedly addresses the **nobles** and the **rulers** together as the governing body of Judah ([[Nehemiah 4:14]], [[Nehemiah 5:7]]).
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (prince): A broad term for a **head person** of any rank, such as a captain, governor, or **prince**. It is used in parallel with **nobles** in Isaiah's prophecy of a desolate kingdom where both **nobles** and **princes** will be gone [[Isaiah 34:12]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H2715}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning governance and social order.
* **Leadership and Accountability:** The term **chôr** is intrinsically linked to the concept of civic leadership. The nobles are held accountable for the welfare of the people, as seen when Nehemiah confronts them over matters of justice and religious law ([[Nehemiah 5:7]], [[Nehemiah 13:17]]).
* **Foundation of a Blessed Kingdom:** A nation's stability and blessing can be linked to the character of its leadership. Ecclesiastes teaches that a land is blessed when its king is the "son of **nobles**" and its princes act with self-control [[Ecclesiastes 10:17]].
* **Vulnerability and Judgment:** High rank does not grant immunity from corruption or judgment. The nobles were manipulated to commit injustice [[1 Kings 21:11]] and ultimately faced the same fate as the rest of Judah in the Babylonian exile, with many being slain or carried away ([[Jeremiah 39:6]], [[Jeremiah 27:20]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2715}}` **chôr** is a specific term for the hereditary aristocracy or **noble** class within Israelite society. It is used not just to identify a social rank, but to highlight the responsibilities and consequences associated with leadership. The biblical accounts show that these **nobles** were integral to the nation's governance, capable of being either a source of stability and blessing or a point of moral failure leading to judgment. The word thus provides a focused look at the role and accountability of the ruling class.
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