feminine of חֹרֶב; properly, drought, i.e. (by implication) a desolation; decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place).
Transliteration:chorbâh
Pronunciation:khor-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2723}}` (chorbâh) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H2721}}` (chōreb), which signifies dryness, drought, or desolation. Consequently, chorbâh extends this core meaning to denote a state of physical ruin, a place laid waste, or a condition of utter desolation. Its semantic range encompasses "decayed place," "desolate place" or "desolation," "destruction," and "waste" or "laid waste." It inherently conveys a sense of barrenness, abandonment, and the absence of life or flourishing, often implying the result of a destructive force or a prolonged period of neglect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H2723}}` appears frequently in the prophetic books, particularly in contexts describing the consequences of divine judgment upon disobedient nations and cities, especially Jerusalem and Judah. It vividly portrays the physical devastation brought about by war, siege, and exile. For instance, in [[Isaiah 64:10]], the prophet laments, "Your holy cities have become a wilderness (chorbâh); Zion has become a wilderness (chorbâh), Jerusalem a desolation (chorbâh)." Here, the repetition underscores the complete and utter ruin of the once-sacred places.
Similarly, [[Jeremiah 25:9]] declares God's intent to make the land a "desolation (chorbâh) and a horror," a clear consequence of the people's rebellion. This usage highlights chorbâh as a punitive outcome of covenant infidelity. In [[Ezekiel 36:33]], the word appears in a context of future restoration, where God promises, "I will cleanse you from all your iniquities, and I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places (chorbâh) shall be rebuilt." This demonstrates that while chorbâh describes a state of ruin, it is often set against the backdrop of God's ultimate plan for renewal and re-inhabitation. The term also appears in historical accounts, such as [[Nehemiah 2:17]], where Nehemiah describes Jerusalem's "ruined (chorbâh) walls" and "burnt gates," vividly depicting the aftermath of destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is `{{H2721}}` (chōreb), the masculine form, which means "drought" or "desolation." The verbal root `{{H2717}}` (charab), "to be dry," "to be desolate," or "to lay waste," also undergirds chorbâh. Other closely associated concepts and words include:
* `{{H8077}}` (shāmēm): "to be desolate," "to be appalled," often used interchangeably or in parallel with chorbâh to emphasize the shock and awe associated with desolation.
* `{{H2720}}` (ḥārēḇ): the adjective, meaning "desolate" or "waste."
* Concepts of divine judgment, curse, exile, and the wilderness, all of which contribute to or are characterized by a state of chorbâh.
* Conversely, chorbâh often stands in stark contrast to concepts of restoration, rebuilding, and flourishing, highlighting God's power to reverse states of ruin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2723}}` is profound, serving as a powerful descriptor of the consequences of sin and disobedience against God's covenant. It represents the physical manifestation of divine judgment, where the blessings of fertility, security, and habitation are withdrawn, leading to barrenness and ruin. The state of chorbâh underscores God's sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating His capacity to bring about devastation as a just response to human rebellion.
However, chorbâh is not merely a term of finality. In the prophetic corpus, particularly in Isaiah and Ezekiel, the experience of chorbâh often serves as a necessary precursor to divine restoration. The desolation becomes a canvas upon which God's faithfulness and redemptive power are ultimately displayed. The promise to rebuild the "waste places" (chorbâh) signifies God's commitment to His covenant and His ability to bring life out of death, hope out of ruin. Thus, chorbâh simultaneously testifies to the severity of God's judgment and the ultimate triumph of His grace.
### Summary
`{{H2723}}` (chorbâh) is a powerful Hebrew term signifying desolation, ruin, and a place laid waste, stemming from the concept of dryness or drought. Primarily found in prophetic and historical books, it vividly describes the physical consequences of divine judgment upon disobedient nations and cities, serving as a stark reminder of the repercussions of covenant infidelity. While chorbâh unequivocally depicts devastation and the absence of life, its theological significance extends beyond mere destruction. It often functions as a necessary stage in God's redemptive plan, setting the scene for His ultimate promise of restoration and renewal, thereby highlighting both the severity of His judgment and the boundless scope of His grace.
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