### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Charchûwr**, represented by `{{H2744}}`, is defined as **inflammation** or as the proper name **Harhur**, one of the Nethinim. This term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. While one of its meanings is a physical ailment, its exclusive use in scripture is as the name of a person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2744}}` is used solely to identify a patriarch whose descendants were part of the community that returned from Babylonian exile. The name appears in two parallel genealogical lists of the Nethinim, or temple servants. Both passages record "the children of Harhur" as part of the census of returnees, highlighting the family's place within the restored nation of Israel ([[Ezra 2:51]], [[Nehemiah 7:53]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside Harhur, establishing its context within a specific group of people:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is used to form the phrase "the children of Harhur," establishing Harhur as the ancestor of a specific family line returning to Jerusalem ([[Ezra 2:51]], [[Nehemiah 7:53]]).
* `{{H1227}}` **Baqbûwq** (Bakbuk, one of the Nethinim): The family of Harhur is listed immediately after the family of Bakbuk in the census of Nethinim, indicating their close association ([[Ezra 2:51]], [[Nehemiah 7:53]]).
* `{{H2709}}` **Chăqûwphâʼ** (Chakupha, one of the Nethinim): The family of Hakupha is listed between Bakbuk and Harhur, further solidifying Harhur's identity as part of this specific group of Nethinim families ([[Ezra 2:51]], [[Nehemiah 7:53]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2744}}` is found in its role within the biblical record of Israel's restoration.
* **Preservation of Lineage:** The inclusion of "the children of Harhur" in the lists of Ezra and Nehemiah underscores the importance of genealogy in re-establishing the covenant community after the exile ([[Ezra 2:51]], [[Nehemiah 7:53]]).
* **Role of the Nethinim:** As the patriarch of a family of Nethinim, Harhur's name is tied to the group of temple servants whose dedicated service was vital to the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.
* **Covenant Community:** The specific mention of this family confirms their recognized status and inclusion within the people of Israel returning to their land.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2744}}` is used in scripture exclusively as the proper name **Harhur**. It is not used to mean "inflammation." Its importance comes from its appearance in post-exilic census records, where it identifies the head of a family of Nethinim. This highlights the biblical emphasis on genealogical identity and the structured organization of the community that returned to rebuild the temple and the nation.
TRV