from חָרַב; parched or ruined; desolate, dry, waste.
Transliteration:chârêb
Pronunciation:khaw-rabe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *chârêb* (`{{H2720}}`) functions primarily as an adjective or substantive, derived from the verbal root *chârab* (`{{H2717}}`). Its core meaning encompasses a state of being "dry," "parched," "ruined," or "desolate."
The semantic range of *chârêb* includes:
* **Physical Dryness:** Refers to the absence of water, moisture, or life-sustaining elements. This can apply to land, rivers, or even bones.
* **Desolation and Ruin:** Describes places, cities, or structures that have been destroyed, laid waste, or left uninhabited. This often implies a state of abandonment or destruction, frequently as a result of war or divine judgment.
* **Waste and Barrenness:** Conveys a sense of emptiness, unproductiveness, or a lack of flourishing.
* **Connotations:** The term often carries negative connotations of judgment, loss, and the cessation of life or activity. It stands in stark contrast to concepts of habitation, fruitfulness, and prosperity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Chârêb* appears throughout the Old Testament, predominantly in prophetic and historical books, illustrating various forms of desolation:
* **Geographic Desolation:** The term frequently describes lands or regions laid waste, often as a result of divine judgment or military action. For example, in [[Ezekiel 35:3]], Mount Seir (Edom) is prophesied to become a "desolate waste" (*chârêb*) due to its hostility towards Israel. Similarly, Babylon is declared to become a *chârêb* (ruin) in [[Jeremiah 50:13]], signifying its complete destruction. This usage emphasizes the irreversible nature of God's judgment.
* **Physical Drying:** It can denote the drying up of water sources, leading to barrenness. In [[Isaiah 19:6]], the streams of Egypt are predicted to become *chârêb* (dry), symbolizing a loss of vital resources and national strength.
* **Ruined Structures:** *Chârêb* is notably applied to buildings and cities that have been destroyed or fallen into disrepair. In [[Nehemiah 2:17]] and [[Nehemiah 4:2]], the walls of Jerusalem are described as *chârêb* (ruined), highlighting the post-exilic state of disrepair and the urgency for reconstruction. This usage underscores the physical manifestation of national decline or divine displeasure.
* **Figurative Implications:** While primarily literal, the physical desolation conveyed by *chârêb* often serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual barrenness or the absence of God's blessing and presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Verbal Root:** *Chârab* (`{{H2717}}`): The primary verbal root from which *chârêb* is derived, meaning "to be dry," "to lay waste," or "to destroy." This root emphasizes the action or process that leads to the state of desolation.
* **Related Nouns:**
* *Chorba* (`{{H2723}}`): A feminine noun from the same root, meaning "desolation" or "ruin." Often used interchangeably with *chârêb* to denote a ruined place, as seen in [[Ezra 9:9]] regarding the "ruins" of the temple.
* *Shamem* (`{{H8074}}`): A verb meaning "to be desolate," "to be appalled," or "to be astonished." While overlapping with *chârab* in describing desolation, *shamem* can also convey the emotional response of horror or shock at such a state.
* *Tohu* (`{{H8414}}`): Meaning "formlessness," "emptiness," or "waste." Used in [[Genesis 1:2]] for the pre-creation state, and later for lands laid waste by judgment.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* *Yashab* (`{{H3427}}`): To dwell, inhabit. The antithesis of a desolate place is one that is populated and thriving.
* *Parah* (`{{H6509}}`): To be fruitful, bear fruit. Contrasts with the barrenness implied by *chârêb*.
* *Tsemach* (`{{H6780}}`): Sprout, branch, growth. Represents life and vitality, in opposition to dryness and decay.
* **Thematic Connections:** Divine judgment, covenant curses, exile, restoration, the consequences of sin, and the vulnerability of human endeavors without divine favor.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *chârêb* is profound and multi-faceted:
* **Consequence of Disobedience:** The state of *chârêb* is frequently presented as a direct consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry and injustice. Prophets consistently warn that continued rebellion against God will lead to the desolation of their land and cities, a physical manifestation of a broken relationship with Yahweh. This underscores God's holiness and His commitment to upholding His covenant.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** God is depicted as the ultimate agent who brings about desolation. It is not merely a natural occurrence but a purposeful act of divine judgment. This highlights His absolute sovereignty over creation and history, and His righteous indignation against sin. The desolate state serves as a powerful witness to His justice.
* **Hope of Restoration:** Crucially, the concept of *chârêb* is often set against the backdrop of future restoration. Prophecies of return from exile frequently include promises that the *chârêb* (desolate) places will be rebuilt, re-inhabited, and made fruitful once more. For instance, [[Ezekiel 36:33-35]] speaks of the "waste places" being rebuilt and the "desolate land" becoming like the Garden of Eden. This demonstrates God's redemptive power, His faithfulness to His promises, and His ultimate desire to restore His people and their land, even after judgment.
* **Spiritual Metaphor:** While primarily literal, the physical desolation conveyed by *chârêb* can serve as a potent metaphor for spiritual barrenness or the absence of God's life-giving presence and blessing in a person's or community's life. A "dry and thirsty land" (e.g., [[Psalm 63:1]]) often symbolizes a soul's yearning for God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *chârêb* (`{{H2720}}`), derived from *chârab* (`{{H2717}}`), denotes a state of being "parched," "ruined," "desolate," or "dry." It is a term rich in meaning, primarily describing the physical consequences of destruction, whether through natural processes or, more commonly in the biblical narrative, as an act of divine judgment. Used extensively to depict the desolation of lands, cities, and structures (such as the walls of Jerusalem), *chârêb* serves as a stark reminder of the covenant curses and the severe repercussions of disobedience to God. Theologically, it underscores God's justice and sovereignty in bringing about judgment. However, its significance is often counterbalanced by the prophetic promises of restoration, where God pledges to rebuild the *chârêb* places and bring life back to the waste, thereby highlighting His ultimate redemptive purpose and enduring faithfulness to His people.
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