or (shortened) חָרֻל; apparently, a passive participle of an unused root probably meaning to be prickly; properly, pointed, i.e. a bramble or other thorny weed; nettle.
Transliteration:chârûwl
Pronunciation:khaw-rool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חָרוּל (chârûwl, `{{H2738}}`) denotes a prickly or thorny plant, most commonly translated as "nettle" or "bramble." Its etymology suggests a connection to an unused root meaning "to be prickly" or "pointed," indicating its inherent nature to cause discomfort or impede passage. The core meaning emphasizes the sharp, injurious, and often unwelcome characteristics of such vegetation, typically found in neglected or desolate areas. It speaks to the wild, uncultivated, and potentially harmful aspects of the natural world when left untended.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חָרוּל (chârûwl) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the Wisdom literature, each instance contributing to its semantic depth:
* [[Job 30:7]]: In this passage, Job laments his dramatic reversal of fortune, describing how those who once respected him now mock him. He portrays his tormentors as dwelling in desolate, wild places, "among the nettles" (חָרוּל) and broom bushes. Here, חָרוּל signifies the extreme degradation and wildness of their habitat, emphasizing the abject poverty and social ostracism of those who associate with such harsh, unproductive environments. The presence of these prickly plants underscores the desolation and lack of cultivation, mirroring the moral barrenness of the mockers.
* [[Proverbs 24:31]]: This verse is part of a vivid observation on the consequences of sloth. The author describes passing by the field of a sluggard and seeing it "all covered with nettles" (חָרוּל). The pervasive growth of חָרוּל here is a direct visual symbol of neglect and the natural outcome of idleness. It illustrates how an absence of diligent stewardship leads to the encroachment of disorder and unproductive elements, highlighting the decay that sets in when responsibilities are abandoned.
* [[Zephaniah 2:9]]: While the Strong's definition mentions "nettle," it is crucial to note that the Hebrew word חָרוּל (chârûwl) does not appear in this verse. The word found there is חֶרֶשׂ (cheres, `{{H2775}}`), meaning "pottery shards" or "waste." Therefore, this word study will focus solely on the occurrences in Job and Proverbs.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of thorny plants, weeds, and uncultivated land is a recurring motif in biblical literature, often symbolizing curse, decay, or the consequences of sin and idleness. Related Hebrew terms include:
* קוֹץ (qôts, `{{H6975}}`): A more general term for "thorns" or "thistles," as seen in the curse upon the ground in [[Genesis 3:18]].
* דַּרְדַּר (dardar, `{{H1863}}`): Specifically "thistles," also mentioned in [[Genesis 3:18]].
* שָׁמִיר (shāmîr, `{{H8068}}`): Referring to "brier" or "thorn," often paired with שַׁיִת (shayith, `{{H7898}}`) to denote "briers and thorns" (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:6]], [[Isaiah 9:18]]).
While these terms broadly refer to undesirable vegetation, חָרוּל (chârûwl) specifically evokes the sharp, stinging, or pointed nature akin to nettles, emphasizing the direct discomfort or injury they inflict. The presence of חָרוּל in a landscape consistently points to a state of wildness, desolation, or lack of proper care, aligning with the broader biblical understanding of the earth's response to human actions.
### Theological Significance
The consistent appearance of חָרוּל (chârûwl) in contexts of desolation, neglect, and the consequences of moral or physical decay imbues it with significant theological weight.
In [[Job 30:7]], the presence of חָרוּל among the outcasts emphasizes the extreme suffering and marginalization of those who are socially rejected. It underscores the harsh realities of a life devoid of divine blessing or human compassion, a world where even the vegetation reflects the barrenness of existence. This imagery serves as a stark commentary on the depths of Job's despair and the contempt with which he is treated.
In [[Proverbs 24:31]], the חָרוּל serves as a tangible symbol of the spiritual and practical consequences of sloth. The unchecked growth of "nettles" in the sluggard's field is a direct visual metaphor for the decay that sets in when one neglects their responsibilities. It highlights the principle that diligence leads to flourishing, while idleness leads to ruin and the proliferation of undesirable elements. This reflects a divine order where consequences follow actions, demonstrating that God's world is designed for purposeful labor and stewardship, and its neglect results in tangible decline.
Thus, חָרוּל points to the natural outworking of sin and neglect in the created order, where the absence of proper stewardship allows undesirable elements to flourish, bringing discomfort and signifying desolation. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligence, wisdom, and responsible living in God's ordered world.
### Summary
חָרוּל (chârûwl, `{{H2738}}`) designates a prickly or thorny plant, particularly a nettle or bramble, conveying the idea of something pointed and unpleasant. Its limited but poignant occurrences in the Hebrew Bible consistently link it to themes of desolation, neglect, and the consequences of idleness. In [[Job 30:7]], it characterizes the harsh, wild environment of the marginalized, symbolizing their extreme destitution and the contempt they face. In [[Proverbs 24:31]], it serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the decay and disorder that inevitably consume the field of the sluggard, highlighting the dire consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities. Theologically, חָרוּל underscores the principle that a lack of diligence and stewardship leads to a proliferation of undesirable elements, reflecting a world where the absence of proper care results in barrenness and discomfort. It stands as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between human action (or inaction) and the state of the physical and spiritual environment, emphasizing the divine wisdom embedded in the call to diligence and responsible living.
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