from חוֹר and a collateral (masculine) form of גֻּדְגֹּדָה, with the article interposed; hole of the cleft; Chor-hag-Gidgad, a place in the Desert; Hor-hagidgad.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Chôr hag-Gidgâd**, represented by `{{H2735}}`, is the name of a location in the Desert, **Hor-hagidgad**. Its name means **hole of the cleft**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the record of Israel's wanderings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2735}}` functions as a specific waypoint in the Israelites' journey. The record in Numbers shows that the Israelites "removed" from Benejaakan and "encamped" at **Horhagidgad** [[Numbers 33:32]]. Immediately following, they "went" from **Horhagidgad** and "pitched" in Jotbathah [[Numbers 33:33]]. These two verses mark its sole appearances, situating it as a temporary stop on the path through the wilderness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Hor-hagidgad's appearances highlights two key verbs related to travel and temporary settlement:
* `{{H5265}}` **nâçaʻ**: This verb means to "start on a journey" or "remove." It is used to describe the Israelites leaving their previous location to go to Horhagidgad [[Numbers 33:32]] and then departing from Horhagidgad itself [[Numbers 33:33]].
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh**: Defined as "to encamp" or "pitch a tent," this verb marks the arrival and settling at a location. The Israelites "encamped" at **Horhagidgad** [[Numbers 33:32]] before continuing their journey.
### Theological Significance
While not a term with deep doctrinal meaning on its own, the significance of `{{H2735}}` is found in its narrative function within the Pentateuch.
* **Historical Marker:** The mention of **Hor-hagidgad** is part of a precise itinerary, reinforcing the historical account of Israel's journey. It serves as a geographical anchor point in the wilderness narrative [[Numbers 33:32-33]].
* **Journey and Providence:** Its role as a waypoint, framed by the acts of departing `{{H5265}}` and encamping `{{H2583}}`, underscores the continuous nature of Israel's travels. The detailed listing of such places points to a guided and chronicled pilgrimage.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2735}}` **Chôr hag-Gidgâd** is a specific place name, "hole of the cleft," that marks a stop in Israel's wilderness wanderings. Though its usage is limited to two verses, its presence in the biblical record serves to map out the journey from Egypt. It functions less as a theological concept and more as a historical and geographical detail, illustrating a single step in the meticulously recorded pilgrimage of the nation.
TRV